The deal, announced at the Farnborough International Air Show near London on Monday, is a boost for the US plane maker as it tries to catch up with European rival Airbus SE. Airbus has taken advantage of the 737 MAX’s travails, which include nearly two years of grounding after two fatal crashes and the pandemic to pre-empt Boeing in the single-aisle jet market. The 100 planes are worth $13.5 billion at list prices before the usual discounts, and Delta’s deal includes options for another 30. The order for the 737 MAX 10, Boeing’s latest and largest variant of the 737 MAX jet family, comes despite the variant not yet receiving regulatory approval. If Boeing can’t get MAX 10 certification by the end of the year, current law requires it to upgrade its cockpit systems — a requirement that would likely add months to its development before it wins certification. Boeing said it would seek an extension if necessary. The plane’s cockpit design, shared with older 737 models, was a selling point for the jet, Delta senior vice president Mahendra Nair said Monday. This means it would not require more training for pilots. It also comes with greater fuel efficiency. The deal requires Boeing to win regulatory approval for the jet. If Boeing has to upgrade the plane’s cockpit systems, Mr. Nair said, “Then we’re going to have to rethink where we are.” Boeing has trailed Airbus in orders in recent years, largely due to the landing of the 737 MAX. The accidents claimed 346 lives. Since then, Boeing has added various safeguards to a flight control system blamed for the accidents and revamped pilot training. Atlanta-based Delta last ordered Boeing jets in 2017, according to Boeing’s website. An airline spokeswoman said these were initially part of a larger order in 2011. Mr. Nair said Delta would configure nearly a third of its MAX 10 cabins for premium seating and operate the planes from its major hubs, including of New York and Minneapolis. The planes can accommodate up to 204 passengers. The MAX 10’s future has been thrown into doubt after CEO David Calhoun recently told trade publication Aviation Week that the manufacturer might have to consider scrapping the new plane if Congress did not extend a deadline requiring updates to the plane’s cockpit systems. On Sunday, Boeing’s head of commercial aircraft, Stan Deal, said the company was not likely to cancel the plane. Delta’s Mr. Nair said Monday that he was not concerned by Mr. Calhoun’s comments, but said they had options. Boeing offers smaller versions of the MAX, such as the MAX 9. “This is really the plane we would like,” he said. “But we have the flexibility.” Full planes, high fares and fewer regulations related to Covid-19 were supposed to be a boon for the airline industry worldwide. But as the summer travel season gets under way, shares of many major US airlines have fallen. WSJ’s Joe Wallace explains what’s affecting airline stocks. Photo: Frank Augstein/Associated Press Write to Andrew Tangel at [email protected] Copyright ©2022 Dow Jones & Company, Inc. All rights reserved. 87990cbe856818d5eddac44c7b1cdeb8