March 10, 2026 — San Diego Boeing has paused deliveries of some 737 MAX aircraft after discovering minor wiring damage on undelivered jets caused by a machining error. Katie Ringgold, vice president and general manager of Boeing’s 737 program, announced the issue at the ISTAT Americas conference here, stating it affects an undetermined number of aircraft awaiting delivery.
The damage consists of small scratches on electrical wiring bundles resulting from a production machining error at Boeing facilities. Repairs are estimated to take several days per aircraft, leading to a temporary pause in ticketing and deliveries. Boeing has notified the FAA and customers, emphasizing no immediate safety risks to in-service 737 MAX aircraft.
“We paused ticketing and deliveries as we work through this issue,” Ringgold said. “There is going to be disruption [for] the next few days. It will take several days to resolve, not weeks.”
Boeing maintains its production rate at about 42 jets per month and full-year delivery goal of around 500 737s, though March and first-quarter deliveries may face delays. The company delivered three 737 MAX jets in March prior to March 5 but none since.
Issue Details and Rework
Affected wiring shows “small scratches due to a machining error,” according to a Boeing statement. Technicians are inspecting and repairing undelivered jets, with no details disclosed on specific wires or exact rework processes. The issue does not impact military 737 variants.
“All in-service 737 MAX airplanes can continue to safely operate,” Boeing stated. “If action is required for the in-service fleet, we will issue updates through our normal service bulletin process.”
Recent Performance Context
The pause follows a strong February, when Boeing delivered 51 commercial aircraft, including 43 737 MAX jets—its best monthly total since 2018 and strongest February performance in years, per AeroTime and Aviation Week.
This occurs amid Boeing’s efforts to stabilize 737 production after prior quality and supply-chain challenges. Plans include opening a fourth 737 line in Everett, Washington, later in 2026, aiming for 50-60 jets monthly by 2028, pending FAA approval.
Market Reaction
News of the wiring issue and potential delays contributed to a dip in Boeing shares, as reported by Barron’s.
Aviation Week and AirlineGeeks provided detailed coverage, with X posts from @ATWOnline and @AirlineGeeks sharing updates.
