Allegiant expects fewer aircraft from Boeing as US planemaker faces quality issues

Low-cost US carrier Allegiant expects fewer aircraft deliveries from Boeing this year, its president told Reuters, as the planemaker grapples with the fallout of a frightening incident last month when a cabin panel tore off of a 737 MAX 9 jet mid-flight. The Las Vegas-based airline was scheduled to receive 24 MAX planes in 2024, but Allegiant President Greg Anderson said it is working on the assumption that it will receive closer to 12 aircraft this year. "We are in regular dialogue with Boeing on this," he said in an interview on Tuesday. "We can manage through it as long as we have an orderly delivery cadence from Boeing." The planemaker has scrambled to explain and strengthen safety procedures since the Jan. 5 incident. Its production rate has been capped by regulators and closely scrutinized by lawmakers and customers. That has had a ripple effect on the industry, as several air carriers have said they are considering adjusting schedules or keeping older planes in service longer. In 2022, Allegiant placed an order for 50 of Boeing's best-selling single-aisle 737 MAX planes, rejecting offers from traditional supplier Airbus. It was scheduled to take delivery of 10 of the jets in 2023, 24 in 2024, and 16 in 2025. Allegiant has traditionally relied on less expensive second-hand planes. With the introduction of MAX planes, it expected to launch new routes and reduce operating costs.<br/>