The Air Current
• Julie Johnsson
Boeing is curbing spending and assessing the financial and labor dynamics behind a looming contract vote by the Society of Professional Engineering Employees in Aerospace, as the company seeks to avoid a third major strike in three years.
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Yemen’s Houthi movement claims its air-defense forces shot down a Royal Saudi Air Force F-15 fighter over Marib Governorate on Sept. 16, 2026. The claim identifies the aircraft as an F-15SA, one of the most advanced variants of Boeing’s twin-tailed fighter, but the reports do not establish independent confirmation.
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Boeing is curbing spending and assessing the financial and labor dynamics behind a looming contract vote by the Society of Professional Engineering Employees in Aerospace, as the company seeks to avoid a third major strike in three years.
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The Air Mobility Command says the U.S. Air Force intends to procure Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, making it the type’s first military operator and expanding its C-40 VIP fleet. Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg separately said FAA certification of the 737 MAX 10 is expected “very soon,” with deliveries still targeted for next year.
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Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg says 737 MAX production is taking longer than expected to stabilize at 47 aircraft per month, with wing production at Renton a key constraint. A potential SPEEA engineers’ strike could further slow 737 output and halt 777-9 certification work, while Boeing maintains its 2027 777X delivery target.
The U.S. Air Force expects its first full squadron of Boeing T-7A Red Hawk advanced trainer jets to be ready by next summer, with Air Education and Training Command forecasting that 14 aircraft will be operational by August 2027.
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Airbus is part of the 250-seat replacement debate, but Boeing’s data-driven mission analysis points toward a single-aisle successor to the 757. The approach reflects Boeing’s assessment of market realities and could shape the configuration and positioning of its next commercial airplane.
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Korean Air has converted a preliminary agreement announced in August 2025 into a firm order for 103 Boeing aircraft, spanning the 737 MAX and 777X families. The deal is the South Korean carrier’s largest aircraft order and supports its fleet renewal and growth strategy.
The U.S. Air Force has priced the B-52 Commercial Engine Replacement Program at $20.2 billion as it advances engine and radar upgrades intended to keep the strategic bomber operational into the 2050s. The service is also working to recover schedule on the two largest elements of the modernization effort.
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