Delivery of a "significant number" of new Boeing 737 Max aircraft is set to be delayed, the US plane maker has warned, due to supply chain issues.
In a statement, Boeing said it had been informed by a supplier the issue related to two fuselage fittings, adding it was not an immediate flight safety issue. "The in-service fleet can continue operating safely," said Boeing. However, it confirmed customers should expert "lower near-term" deliveries of new Max aircraft.
Boeing added it had notified the US Federal Aviation Administration, with the FAA confirming it had "validated" Boeing’s assessment of the issue – including there being no immediate safety concerns based on the facts and data provided by the manufacturer.
The issue affects Max 7, Max 8 and Max 8200 models, not the whole range of Max aircraft. According to Reuters, Boeing delivered 111 Maxs in the first quarter and had been hoping to ramp up monthly deliveries to deliver at least 400 this year.
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