Boeing Lands 150 737 MAX Turkish Deal: A Win For Both Sides?

The US Air Force awarded a $149M contract to four small steel companies (Superior Forge, Ellwood, Faxon, Grand Valley) to manufacture casings for the GBU-57 bomb, ending Boeing's 18-year monopoly. The move aims to diversify production and address supply shortages, with work extending through 2033. Boeing's past delays and the recent use of the bomb in operations prompted this change.

The FAA granted Boeing a waiver to produce up to 35 777 freighters from 2028 to 2031, exempting them from new emissions standards. Boeing argued the exemption was necessary to avoid disrupting the air cargo industry and protect U.S. jobs and exports. The FAA agreed, citing minimal environmental impact and public interest benefits.

Boeing's 737 MAX 10 is nearing FAA certification, with Alaska Airlines as the launch customer. The aircraft offers the highest seat count among 737s, optimized for domestic routes. Major airlines, including American, Delta, and United, have significant orders. Certification does not guarantee immediate deployment, as Alaska must validate cockpit systems. Airlines plan to use the extra space for premium seating, with American and Delta installing at least 24 first-class seats per plane.

Boeing (NYSE:BA) shares rose 0.86% Friday, outperforming the broader market as industrial stocks gained. Akasa Air is reportedly in talks for over 200 Boeing 737 Max jets, potentially worth billions. Analysts maintain a Buy consensus with an average price target of $272. Technically, Boeing faces resistance near $215.50 and support around $187.50.

Archer Aviation's acquisition of Boeing's Wisk Aero, SkyGrid, and Insitu subsidiaries cleared the Hart-Scott-Rodino waiting period, advancing a deal to combine autonomous flight, airspace software, and AI. The transaction, announced in August, still requires other regulatory approvals and is expected to close by the end of 2026. Boeing will retain access to Wisk’s technology and its stake in Archer.

Sun Group attended a meeting between Vietnam's President To Lam and Boeing in New York, discussing strategic cooperation to enhance Vietnam's aviation sector. The meeting focused on expanding capabilities beyond aircraft procurement, including maintenance, repair, and workforce training. Sun Group, which operates Sun PhuQuoc Airways, previously agreed to purchase 40 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners worth $22.5 billion. The group is also investing in airport expansions and MRO complexes in Vietnam.