Boeing 737 MAX 9 vs. Boeing 737 MAX 10

The Boeing 737 MAX 9, a variant in the 737 MAX series, is a narrow-body, twin-engine airliner designed for short to medium-haul flights. Launched in 2017, the MAX 9 aims to replace the 737-900 from the NG Family. The 737 MAX 9 offers a spacious cabin that can comfortably seat 178 passengers, making it an ideal choice for airlines operating on popular routes with higher demand. The aircraft combines modern aerodynamics and advanced engine technology to enhance its operational efficiency, balancing fuel economy with performance. Powered by CFM International LEAP-1B engines, the 737 MAX 9 has a higher MTOW and longer range than the 737-900. The aircraft is equipped with features that reduce its environmental impact, including lower emissions and noise levels. The aircraft also has brand new winglets that contribute to better aerodynamics.

In the commercial aviation market, the Boeing 737 MAX 9 competes with similar-sized aircraft like the Airbus A321neo. With an estimated cost of $112 million, it is priced competitively with the A321neo.  While both aircraft incorporate advanced engine technologies, the A321neo bests the MAX 9 in range by nearly 400 nautical miles - crucial for solid Transatlantic viability. Even in higher density configurations, the MAX 9 has less seats than the A321neo. And launching six years after the Airbus, Boeing was slightly late to the long-range, narrow-body market momentum.

The 737 MAX 9 has been selected by various airlines worldwide, valued for its ability to serve a wide range of domestic and international routes efficiently. The launch customer back in 2018 was Lion Air. Today, United Airlines, Aeromexico, and Alaska Airlines all have substantial fleets of MAX 9s. The MAX 9 builds on the success of the 737-900 and other member of the previous generation of 737s. With the average age just two years old, it will be a key player in the global airline industry over the next couple decades. Airlines will continue to order the MAX 9 for its ability to balance range, efficiency, capacity, and advanced technology.

The Boeing 737 MAX 10 is the largest variant in the 737 MAX series, representing Boeing's expansion of its narrow-body, twin-engine offerings for the commercial aviation market. Launched in 2017, the MAX 10 was developed in response to airlines demanding a larger model than the MAX 9. The announcement for the MAX 10 was quickly followed by 240 orders and commitments from more than ten customers. The United States' aviation regulator, the FAA, cleared Boeing to begin certification flight testing of its 737 MAX 10 in November of 2023. Deliveries are being anticipated for early 2025.

The 737 MAX 10, with its extended fuselage, offers a greater passenger capacity compared to its siblings in the MAX series at 143 feet (43.79 meters). This increase in size allows airlines to accommodate more passengers per flight, optimizing efficiency and profitability, particularly on popular short to medium-haul routes. Equipped with advanced CFM International LEAP-1B engines, the MAX 10 delivers over 58,000 pounds of thrust. The slight stretch of the MAX 10 allows the jet to retain the existing wing design and LEAP engines from the MAX 9, with a trailing-link main landing gear being the only major change.

In the market, the Boeing 737 MAX 10 competes with aircraft like the Airbus A321neo. Both are very similar in terms of seating capacity, and range, but the MAX 10 does fall short in terms of field performance. Boeing predicts that the MAX 10 will yield a 5% lower trip cost and seat cost compared to the A321neo. It provides airlines with an alternative option in the narrow-body segment, offering a balance of capacity, range, and efficiency.

Various airlines have shown interest in the 737 MAX 10 for its ability to meet the demands of modern air travel. It is expected that United Airlines, Korean Air, Alaska Airlines, and Ryanair will have some of the largest fleets of MAX 10s. The MAX 10's capabilities make it an attractive choice for carriers looking to expand their network and serve densely populated routes efficiently.