Vueling's first 737 Max deliveries pushed into 2027 on seat certification delay
Vueling says deliveries of its first Boeing 737 Max 8-200 aircraft will be delayed beyond this year because of a certification hold-up with Recaro seats, with the first three jets now expected in 2027.
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Vueling will not receive its first Boeing 737 Max 8-200 by the end of this year as planned, the airline confirmed. A spokesperson said the company is working with partners to adjust the delivery schedule and minimize the impact.
The delay stems from a hold-up in the certification of Recaro-supplied seats installed on the narrowbodies. Vueling had expected the first three high-density jets in the second half of this year. Delivery is now likely to slip into 2027.
IAG, Vueling's parent group, indicated in July that the airline was looking forward to receiving the first of 60 737 Max aircraft ordered for the carrier by the end of the year. The transition is expected to bring significant cost reductions.
Vueling currently operates an all-Airbus fleet of around 140 mostly older-generation A320-family aircraft. The plan is for the carrier to become an all-Boeing operator.
IAG is not the only airline group affected by seat-certification delays on Boeing aircraft. Lufthansa Group faced similar issues with its Allegris cabin on the 787-9 last year.
Sources
- flightglobal.comVueling’s first 737 Max deliveries delayed by seat-certification issue