Boeing’s MAX 10 gets a vote of confidence as ACG adds 50 aircraft to its backlog
January 13, 2026
Aviation Capital Group (ACG), one of the world’s major aircraft leasing firms, has added to its Boeing backlog with a significant narrowbody commitment.
The lessor has placed an order for a further 50 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, doubling its overall commitment to the type. The deal comprises 25 737 MAX 8s and 25 737 MAX 10s, marking the largest single order for the MAX 10 ever placed by a leasing company.
Thomas Baker, CEO and President of ACG, said the order “reinforces our commitment to the latest fuel-efficient aircraft technology.”
“We are pleased to be able to offer our global customers a continuous stream of 737 MAX delivery positions from 2026 to 2033 to support their growth, as well as the versatility of both the 737-8 and 737-10 variants,” he added.
ACG gives a vote of confidence to Boeing’s 737 MAX 10
Boeing’s largest narrowbody, the 737 MAX 10, is yet to be certified, and continues to struggle with issues with its anti-icing system.
While progress is being made, it has been slow, and although the manufacturer is guiding certification at some point this year, customers are still somewhat dubious about exactly when they will take delivery.
Nevertheless, airlines are ordering the type anyway, including Alaska Airlines, which placed a huge order for 105 of the type just days ago. Further north, WestJet ordered 60 MAX 10s in 2025, with the CEO describing the aircraft as a ‘gamechanger.’
Adding more ACG aircraft to the backlog is another vote of confidence for Boeing. AGC now has 121 737 MAX on order, including 50 737 MAX 10, giving it the largest orderbook of any lessor for the type.
“ACG’s expanded order for the 737-10 reflects strong confidence in the airplane and its appeal to the lessor’s customers worldwide.” said Brad McMullen, Boeing senior vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing. “With this repeat order, ACG continues to be an established and highly valued partner on the 737 MAX program and we look forward to deepening this relationship in the coming years as we deliver its first 737-10 airplanes.”
Progress on Boeing’s 737 MAX 10 certification
Last week, the FAA approved Boeing to move to the second phase of testing with the 737 MAX 10. Phase two testing includes the avionics, propulsion and other parts of the design.
While this is a positive signal, it’s notable that the anti-icing issues have not yet been resolved. Regulators have raised concerns that prolonged use of the anti-icing system could cause damage to the engine’s nacelles
The MAX 7, which is on a parallel certification track, has not been approved to move to phase two.
Boeing now has more than 1,200 MAX 10 orders in its backlog, representing billions of dollars in revenue. But Boeing won’t start to count its winnings until the aircraft start delivering, and will be keen for that to begin as soon as possible.
The planemaker maintains that the MAX 10 and 7 will both be certified in late 2026, with a view to deliveries beginning in early ’27. But with plenty of uncertainty still ahead, industry watchers anticipate a possibility of that slipping into early 2027.
Featured image: Boeing
