Six Years Late, Boeing's Biggest 737 MAX May Finally Be Cleared for Takeoff

Boeing Co. (NYSE:BA) is expected to receive Federal Aviation Administration certification for its long-delayed 737 MAX 10 on Tuesday. U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy is expected to announce the approval during a visit to Boeing’s factory in Everett, Washington, Reuters reported Monday, citing sources familiar with the plans. The FAA completed a final certification review Friday. The Boeing 737 MAX 10 is the largest and longest variant in Boeing’s 737 MAX single-aisle aircraft family, designed to seat up to 230 passengers and compete directly with the Airbus A321neo. Airlines have ordered nearly 1,500 MAX 10 aircraft, accounting for roughly 30% of Boeing’s outstanding 737 backlog. Major customers include United Airlines Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:UAL), Delta Air Lines Inc. (NYSE:DAL), Alaska Air Group Inc. (NYSE:ALK), American Airlines Group Inc. (NASDAQ:AAL) and Ryanair Holdings PLC (NASDAQ:RYAAY). Boeing initially planned to begin MAX 10 deliveries in 2020. However, stricter regulatory scrutiny following two fatal MAX 8 crashes, engine anti-ice system issues and software concerns delayed certification. The FAA approved the smaller MAX 7 in August. Meanwhile, Boeing continues working toward certification of its 777-9 aircraft, with deliveries expected in 2027. Boeing Unveils AI-Powered Aviation Data Platform Separately, Boeing on Tuesday introduced Dataliner, an AI-powered platform designed to help airlines improve fleet maintenance and operational decisions. Developed with Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ:MSFT), the platform uses Azure AI Foundry and data technologies to combine aircraft information with Boeing’s engineering expertise. Dataliner aims to help airlines anticipate maintenance needs, identify risks and improve fleet-wide visibility while retaining control over their data. Boeing Stock Analysis Boeing stock slipped 0.34% Tuesday, bucking broader market gains as the Nasdaq Composite rose 0.18% and the S&P 500 advanced 0.49%. The stock remained under pressure as investors awaited its quarterly earnings report for signs of a sustained recovery. Boeing shares traded near their 20-day simple moving average (SMA) of $190.48 but remained below key longer-term levels. The stock was 6.3% below its 50-day SMA of $203.67, 10% below its 100-day SMA of $212.06 and 12.9% below its 200-day SMA of $219.19. Boeing has lost 11.98% over the past 12 months. However, momentum showed signs of improvement. The moving average convergence divergence (MACD) indicator remained above its signal line, suggesting selling pressure may be easing. Still, the stock’s 50-day SMA remained below its 200-day SMA, extending the bearish death cross pattern that formed in September. Traders are watching support at $184 and resistance at $215.50. A move above resistance could signal improving momentum, while a break below support could bring renewed selling pressure. Earnings and Analyst Outlook Boeing is scheduled to report third-quarter earnings on Oct. 27. Analysts expect a loss of 19 cents per share, compared with a loss of $7.47 per share a year earlier. Revenue is expected to rise to $24.42 billion from $23.27 billion. The stock carries a consensus Buy rating and an average analyst price forecast of $269.42. Recent analyst actions include: Morgan Stanley: Maintained Equal-Weight and lowered its price forecast to $225 on Oct. 19. RBC Capital Markets: Maintained Outperform and lowered its forecast to $235 on Oct. 15. Bernstein: Maintained Outperform and lowered its forecast to $278 on Oct. 12. Boeing Price Action Boeing shares were down 0.34% at $190.76 at the time of publication Tuesday, according to Benzinga Pro data. Photo via Shutterstock Read Also: Boeing ‘Holds the Keys to the Future of US Tactical Aircraft,’ Says Bullish Analyst