Boeing to Begin 737 MAX Deliveries to ANA in December
Boeing will deliver its first 737 MAX aircraft to All Nippon Airways in December, following joint work on quality controls.
By The Aviation Hub
4 min read
Updated October 13, 2026 
Boeing will begin delivering the Boeing 737 MAX to Japan's All Nippon Airways in December, with the two companies working together to improve quality controls for a family of aircraft that has had a troubled early safety history.
The move marks a significant step for both Boeing and ANA. The 737 MAX has faced intense scrutiny since its grounding period, and new operators taking delivery represent fresh confidence in the programme.
What Nikkei Reports
According to Nikkei, the deliveries are scheduled to begin in December, with Boeing and ANA working jointly on safety and quality control improvements ahead of the handover.
The report describes on-site inspections as part of the process leading up to delivery. This collaborative approach reflects the heightened scrutiny that now surrounds 737 MAX production and handover.
How Boeing Builds the 737 MAX
Each 737 MAX comes together at Boeing's factory in Renton, Washington, where the assembly process spans ten defined production stages. Aviation A2Z reports that the aircraft spends approximately 15 days in final assembly, from fuselage arrival to readiness for inspection.
The fuselage begins its journey in Wichita, Kansas, where it is manufactured before being transported to Renton by freight train over approximately two weeks. It arrives coated in bright green protective primer.
At Renton, Boeing operates three parallel assembly lines: West, Central and East. Around one third of fuselages travel along the West Line, with the remaining two thirds moving to the Central or East Line.
Major components arrive from across a global supply chain. Aviation A2Z notes that several 737 MAX winglets are manufactured in Melbourne, Australia, before being shipped to Renton for integration.
The Assembly Process in Brief
Technicians install approximately 70 kilometres of electrical wiring during the second production stage, alongside hydraulic tubing and flight-control cables. These systems connect the cockpit, aircraft controls and onboard equipment.
Wings, tail surfaces and landing gear are added at the fourth stage, giving the aircraft its recognisable shape. Once the landing gear is fitted, the aircraft can stand on its own wheels and be towed between the remaining assembly stations.
The sixth stage marks the point at which the aircraft's electrical power is switched on for the first time and oil is introduced into the relevant systems. Cabin sidewalls, overhead lockers and galleys are also installed at this stage.
Boeing 737 MAX in Context
The 737 MAX is the fourth generation of the 737 programme, which dates to 1967. Boeing says the type reduces fuel use and carbon dioxide emissions by around 20% compared with the aircraft it replaces.
Boeing has faced sustained pressure to address quality control issues across its production lines. We have previously covered the ongoing delays to the 737 MAX 10 and 777X programmes and what those setbacks have cost the manufacturer. ANA becoming a 737 MAX operator adds a high-profile name to the list of airlines bringing the type into service.
For broader context on 737 MAX orders, Air India placed an order for 30 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft earlier this year, underlining continued airline demand for the type despite its history.
What On-Site Inspections Suggest
The involvement of on-site inspections before delivery points to the careful, collaborative approach that airlines and Boeing have adopted since the 737 MAX's return to service. Nikkei's report frames this as the two companies working together specifically to improve quality controls.
It also reflects the supply chain changes Boeing has been managing. Boeing and Airbus completed their takeover of Spirit AeroSystems in December 2025, bringing key fuselage production back under direct manufacturer control.
Readers wanting to explore the 737 MAX's specifications and operator history in more detail can use our Aircraft Search tool.
The Bottom Line
Boeing's December delivery target for ANA is a concrete milestone for the 737 MAX programme in the Asia-Pacific market. The on-site inspections and joint quality work show that both sides are treating this handover with the care the type's history demands.
ANA is a premium carrier with high standards for fleet reliability. Its entry into 737 MAX operations will be watched closely by other airlines and regulators in the region.
Continue to follow The Aviation Hub for more analysis and insight.
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