Key Takeaways
• Qatar Airways canceled its 25 Boeing 737 MAX 10 order due to FAA delays and shifting fleet needs.
• The airline now focuses on Airbus, ordering 50 A321neo and planning A321XLR jets for short-haul flights.
• Qatar Airways placed a $96 billion order for 210 Boeing widebody jets supporting 154,000 US jobs annually.
Qatar Airways Cancels Boeing 737 MAX 10 Order: What It Means for the Airline Industry
Qatar Airways has officially canceled its order for 25 Boeing 737 MAX 10 aircraft, a move that signals a major change in the airline’s fleet plans and sends ripples across the global aviation industry. This decision, confirmed by Qatar Airways CEO Badr Al-Meer on May 27, 2025, comes at a time when Boeing is already facing serious challenges with its 737 MAX program. The cancellation not only affects the airline and the manufacturer but also has broader implications for travelers, airline workers, and the aviation market as a whole.
Let’s break down what happened, why it matters, and what it means for the future of air travel.
Why Did Qatar Airways Cancel the Boeing 737 MAX 10 Order?
The main reasons behind Qatar Airways’ decision to drop the Boeing 737 MAX 10 order are a mix of technical delays, changing business needs, and improved relations with Airbus. Here’s a closer look at each factor:
1. Certification Delays and Safety Concerns
The Boeing 737 MAX 10 has faced long delays in getting approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the main aviation regulator in the United States 🇺🇸. These delays are mostly due to design problems, especially with the plane’s anti-icing system, and increased scrutiny after past safety incidents. The FAA has been very careful since the MAX series was grounded worldwide following two deadly crashes in 2018 and 2019.
Boeing hoped to start delivering the MAX 10 by late 2025, but many experts believe further delays are likely. This uncertainty made it hard for Qatar Airways to plan its future routes and schedules, leading the airline to look for more reliable options.
2. Changing Fleet Needs
Qatar Airways regularly reviews its fleet to make sure its planes fit its route network and business goals. According to analysis from VisaVerge.com, the airline decided that the Boeing 737 MAX 10 no longer matched its needs. Instead, Qatar Airways is now focusing on Airbus planes for its short-haul (short-distance) flights.
3. Better Relationship with Airbus
A few years ago, Qatar Airways and Airbus had a public dispute over paint problems on the Airbus A350. During that time, Qatar Airways placed the Boeing 737 MAX 10 order. Since then, the two companies have repaired their relationship. In 2025, CEO Badr Al-Meer said that Qatar Airways had reinstated its canceled Airbus orders, making it easier for the airline to rely on Airbus for its narrowbody (single-aisle) fleet.
What Was in the Original Order?
The canceled order included:
– 25 Boeing 737 MAX 10 aircraft
– The order was placed during the 2022 Farnborough Air Show
– Deliveries were supposed to start in late 2025
At the time, Boeing’s then-president Stan Deal said the MAX 10 was “ideally suited for Qatar Airways’ regional network.” But as the airline’s needs changed, the order no longer made sense.
How Is Qatar Airways Changing Its Fleet Strategy?
With the MAX 10 order canceled, Qatar Airways is now turning “almost exclusively to Airbus for its short-haul needs.” Here’s what that looks like:
- 50 Airbus A321neo aircraft are still on order and waiting to be delivered.
- The airline is also planning to buy Airbus A321XLR jets, which are single-aisle planes that can fly longer distances than most narrowbody aircraft.
This marks a big shift for Qatar Airways, which once planned to use both Boeing and Airbus planes for its short-haul routes. Now, it’s clear the airline is leaning heavily toward Airbus for these flights.
What About the Boeing 737 MAX Planes Qatar Airways Already Has?
Even though Qatar Airways canceled the MAX 10 order, it still operates some Boeing 737 MAX aircraft:
- The airline received nine Boeing 737 MAX 8 planes, starting with the first delivery in April 2024.
- Six of these MAX 8s are currently flying on routes like Doha to Kuwait City, Mumbai, and Sharjah.
- Three MAX 8s are in storage at Doha International Airport.
The MAX 8s are mainly used for short and medium-distance flights. However, the fact that some are in storage suggests the airline is still figuring out how best to use them.
What’s Happening at Boeing?
Qatar Airways’ decision comes at a tough time for Boeing. The company has faced several problems in recent years:
- In January 2024, an Alaska Airlines 737 MAX 9 had a door plug issue, raising new safety concerns.
- The 737 MAX series was grounded worldwide after two fatal crashes in 2018 and 2019.
- Boeing’s orders dropped by 60% in 2024, partly due to problems with the MAX and a long strike by machinists.
- The FAA has stopped Boeing from increasing production and is closely watching the company to make sure its planes are safe.
These issues have made airlines more cautious about ordering new Boeing planes, especially the MAX 10, which still hasn’t been certified for commercial flights.
Qatar Airways’ Big Bet on Boeing Widebody Jets
While Qatar Airways canceled its order for the Boeing 737 MAX 10, it made headlines with a massive new order for Boeing’s larger, long-distance planes:
- In May 2025, Qatar Airways signed a $96 billion deal for up to 210 Boeing widebody jets.
- The order includes 130 Boeing 787 Dreamliners and 30 Boeing 777-9 planes, with options for 50 more.
- This is the largest widebody order in Boeing’s history and the biggest purchase ever for Qatar Airways.
- The deal was signed in the presence of US President Donald Trump and Qatar’s Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.
- The order is expected to support about 154,000 U.S. jobs each year, totaling over 1 million jobs during production and delivery.
- Qatar Airways also ordered more than 400 GE Aerospace engines to power these new planes.
This shows that while Qatar Airways is moving away from Boeing for its short-haul fleet, it still trusts Boeing for its long-haul (long-distance) aircraft.
How Are Other Airlines Responding to Boeing’s Delays?
Qatar Airways isn’t the only airline rethinking its Boeing 737 MAX 10 orders:
- United Airlines and Virgin Australia have both switched their MAX 10 orders to the smaller MAX 8 because of certification delays.
- Other airlines may follow Qatar Airways’ lead, especially if Boeing can’t deliver the MAX 10 on time.
This trend is a strong sign that airlines want planes they can count on, and they’re willing to change their orders if manufacturers can’t deliver.
What Does This Mean for Airbus?
Qatar Airways’ move is a big win for Airbus, especially its A321neo family of planes. The airline’s decision to focus on Airbus for its narrowbody fleet is a vote of confidence in the European manufacturer. If more airlines make similar choices, Airbus could gain a bigger share of the market for single-aisle planes.
Financial Impact on Qatar Airways and Boeing
The financial details of the canceled MAX 10 order haven’t been made public, but the impact is clear:
- The canceled order was worth billions of dollars at list prices.
- Qatar Airways is in a strong financial position, reporting a record $2.15 billion profit for 2024/25, up 28% from the previous year.
- The airline’s decision seems to be based on strategy, not money.
For Boeing, losing a major order like this is a setback, especially as it tries to recover from recent problems.
What’s Next for Qatar Airways?
Looking ahead, several things are worth watching:
- New Aircraft Deliveries: Qatar Airways expects to start receiving planes from its new widebody order around May 2029.
- Fleet Balance: The airline is now balancing its fleet, using Boeing for long-haul flights and Airbus for short-haul routes.
- Boeing 737 MAX 10 Program: The industry will be watching to see if Boeing can finally get the MAX 10 certified and delivered.
- Potential Airbus Orders: Many expect Qatar Airways to formally announce an order for the Airbus A321XLR to replace the canceled MAX 10s.
What Does This Mean for Travelers and Airline Workers?
For travelers, Qatar Airways’ decision could mean more flights on newer, more comfortable Airbus planes for short and medium trips. The airline’s focus on modern, fuel-efficient aircraft may also help keep ticket prices stable and reduce its environmental impact.
For airline workers, especially those in the United States 🇺🇸, the massive Boeing widebody order is good news. It will support thousands of jobs in aircraft manufacturing, engineering, and related industries.
What Should Stakeholders Watch For?
- Airlines: Other carriers may review their own orders and fleet plans, especially if they’re waiting for delayed Boeing planes.
- Manufacturers: Boeing will need to address its certification and production issues quickly to avoid losing more customers. Airbus may see increased demand for its A321neo and A321XLR models.
- Regulators: The FAA and other authorities will continue to play a key role in ensuring aircraft safety and approving new models.
- Passengers: Travelers can expect airlines to keep updating their fleets with newer, safer, and more efficient planes.
Official Resources and Further Reading
For those interested in learning more about aircraft certification and safety standards, the FAA provides up-to-date information on its Aircraft Certification Process. This resource explains how new planes are approved for commercial use in the United States 🇺🇸 and what steps manufacturers must take to ensure safety.
Conclusion: A Turning Point in the Aviation Industry
Qatar Airways’ cancellation of the Boeing 737 MAX 10 order is more than just a business decision—it’s a sign of changing times in the airline industry. As airlines look for reliable, efficient, and safe aircraft, manufacturers must deliver on their promises or risk losing customers. Qatar Airways’ shift toward Airbus for its narrowbody fleet, while doubling down on Boeing for widebody jets, shows how airlines are carefully balancing their needs in a fast-changing world.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, the move could influence other airlines to rethink their own fleet plans, especially if Boeing’s delays continue. For now, travelers and industry watchers alike will be keeping a close eye on how these changes shape the future of air travel.
Key Takeaways for Readers
- Qatar Airways canceled its order for 25 Boeing 737 MAX 10 planes due to delays and changing needs.
- The airline is now focusing on Airbus for its short-haul fleet, with 50 A321neo planes on order.
- Qatar Airways still trusts Boeing for its long-haul jets, placing a record $96 billion order for widebody aircraft.
- The decision highlights the importance of reliability and safety in airline fleet planning.
- Travelers can expect more flights on modern Airbus planes, while U.S. jobs are supported by the new Boeing widebody order.
- The aviation industry will be watching closely to see how Boeing responds and whether other airlines follow Qatar Airways’ lead.
By staying informed and understanding these changes, readers can better appreciate how airline decisions affect the planes they fly on, the jobs they support, and the future of global travel.
Learn Today
Boeing 737 MAX 10 → A delayed narrowbody aircraft model facing safety and certification challenges from Boeing’s MAX series.
FAA → Federal Aviation Administration; the US agency regulating aircraft certification and safety standards.
Widebody Aircraft → Large planes with two aisles, used primarily for long-haul international flights.
Narrowbody Aircraft → Single-aisle airplanes commonly used for short-to-medium haul flights.
Airbus A321neo → A fuel-efficient, single-aisle aircraft designed by Airbus, popular for short and medium distances.
This Article in a Nutshell
Qatar Airways canceled its Boeing 737 MAX 10 order amid certification delays and shifting fleet strategies. The airline shifts to Airbus for short-haul planes while continuing a record $96 billion Boeing widebody deal. This move highlights ongoing industry challenges with Boeing’s 737 MAX and marks a strategic fleet realignment.
— By VisaVerge.com
