Why Is Qatar Airways Reconsidering Its Order for Boeing 737 MAX 10?

Middle Eastern aviation giant Qatar Airways is reportedly reconsidering its order for 25 Boeing 737 MAX 10 aircraft. According to Bloomberg, the airline is questioning whether the MAX 10 aligns with its operational needs and route network requirements. This development raises the question: what has prompted Qatar Airways to rethink its commitment to this aircraft type?

The 737 MAX 10: Persistent Delays

A major factor influencing Qatar Airways’ potential decision is the ongoing delay in the MAX 10 program. Boeing’s MAX 10 aircraft has faced significant setbacks due to design issues, particularly with the anti-icing system, combined with intensified scrutiny and regulatory oversight from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Initially expected to debut earlier, the MAX 10 is now projected to enter service by late 2025 at the earliest, though many industry experts believe the aircraft’s rollout may be pushed further into the decade.

This prolonged timeline has already led airlines like United Airlines and Virgin Australia to amend their orders, opting instead for the smaller, more readily available 737 MAX 8. If Qatar Airways follows suit and swaps its 25 MAX 10 orders for MAX 8s, these planes may likely end up with the carrier’s partners, such as RwandAir and Virgin Australia, which already operate the MAX 8.

Qatar Airways’ MAX Fleet

Qatar Airways has already begun integrating Boeing 737 MAX aircraft into its fleet. On April 15th, the airline took delivery of its first 737 MAX 8, the first of nine aircraft intended to bolster its short-haul fleet with modern, fuel-efficient options. These aircraft are part of Qatar Airways’ strategic plan for sustainable growth, positioning itself as the world’s leading airline.

All nine MAX 8 aircraft have since been delivered, but operational challenges persist. Per ch-aviation data, only six of the nine MAX 8s are currently in service, while the remaining three (A7-BSB, A7-BSC, and A7-BSD) are stored at Doha International Airport. The active MAX 8s primarily operate short-haul routes, such as Doha to Kuwait City, and medium-haul routes to cities like Mumbai and Sharjah.

Qatar Airways and Airbus Conflict

Qatar Airways’ initial order for 25 Boeing 737 MAX 10s came in the midst of its high-profile dispute with Airbus in 2022. The dispute centered around peeling paint issues on the Airbus A350s, which led to Qatar Airways suing Airbus and the latter retaliating by canceling Qatar’s orders for 50 A321neo and 23 A350-900 aircraft. This fallout led Qatar Airways to solidify its relationship with Boeing, including firming up the MAX 10 order.

However, the landscape has shifted significantly since then. Relations between Qatar Airways and Airbus have improved dramatically. In July 2024, Qatar Airways’ CEO, Badr Mohammed Al Meer, confirmed that previously canceled orders with Airbus had been reinstated, reflecting a renewed partnership.

The Qatar Airways Hub-and-Spoke Model

Qatar Airways operates nearly 200 widebody aircraft from Boeing and Airbus, a critical component of its hub-and-spoke model. In this operational framework, Doha Hamad International Airport serves as the central hub (the “axle” of a wheel), with flights radiating out to various destinations (the “spokes”). This strategy allows Qatar Airways to connect passengers worldwide with a single stopover at its hub.

Strategically located in the Middle East, Doha is virtually equidistant from Europe and Asia, making it an ideal transfer point for travelers between the two continents. Qatar Airways further enhances this advantage with its modern widebody fleet, ensuring efficient, seamless connections for passengers.

The Road Ahead

As Qatar Airways continues to assess its order for the Boeing 737 MAX 10, multiple factors will influence its decision. The persistent delays in the MAX 10 program, coupled with the airline’s evolving fleet and network strategy, suggest a potential shift in favor of the MAX 8 or other alternatives.

Youssef Yahya

Youssef Yahya is the CEO and Founder of Aviation for Aviators, a platform dedicated to the aviation industry. With over 3 years of experience as an aviation writer, Youssef is passionate about sharing his insights on aviation, entrepreneurship, and the broader business landscape. As a Teaching Assistant in Entrepreneurship at Nile University, he also nurtures the next generation of entrepreneurs. When he’s not exploring the skies or business ventures, you can find him saying, ‘Drag your coffee, and let’s talk aviation, entrepreneurship, and football.’

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