European leisure operator TUI has expressed optimism regarding Boeing 737 Max aircraft deliveries after a challenging post-pandemic period characterized by delays. During the Airlines 2025 event in London, TUI Group’s chief airline officer Marco Ciomperlik highlighted recent advancements, stating, “They are on a good path, in fairness. In the past 12 months we have seen significant improvements… they have made real changes in the production line, which we really appreciate.”
Ciomperlik noted that TUI was the European launch customer for the 737 Max, initially operating 15 units before the aircraft was grounded globally in 2019. Since then, the airline has added more aircraft but has also relied on wet-leased jets due to Boeing's production delays, especially following an incident involving an Alaska Airlines 737 Max 9 in early 2024.
Production and Delivery Outlook
The US Federal Aviation Administration’s recent decision to increase Boeing’s output to 42 aircraft per month has been a positive development for TUI, He mentioned. “This winter into almost the summer, we are expecting up to 20 deliveries from Boeing,” he said, emphasizing the significance of these aircraft for replacing older NG models and expanding the fleet, which includes roughly 130 jets featuring 737-family narrowbodies and 787 widebodies.
Ciomperlik also acknowledged the global shortage of aircraft and the manufacturing issues faced by Boeing and other aircraft makers, expressing hope that the trend of improving deliveries will continue. He concluded by stating, “Boeing is far better set up now,” and emphasized the importance of collaborative agreements to manage delays; TUI’s long-standing relationship with Boeing spans over 60 years.
