Airlines in the United States are warning that delayed deliveries of Boeing aircraft could result in plans to increase capacity being missed or scrapped altogether.?

According to Reuters.com, carriers across the U.S. are concerned they will not be able to meet the rising travel demand after Boeing cut expectations for deliveries this year following heavy scrutiny associated with a string of quality-control-related issues.

Boeing has been under the microscope of the U.S. government and its associated aviation agencies since a January 5 incident that saw an Alaska Airlines plane lose a door plug during a flight, leaving a massive hole in the side of the fuselage.

Southwest Airlines announced last week that it expects to take 42 percent fewer MAX deliveries this year, which could cut the carrier¡¯s 2024 capacity. United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby also said that, ¡°Boeing deliveries are going to be way behind this year.¡±

In response, Boeing told Southwest it would deliver 46 MAX 8 planes to the airline this year, which is down from the 79 jets originally promised. The order does not include the MAX 7 aircraft currently mired in certification delays.

While United and other carriers have started working with Airbus to fill the potential delivery void, backlogs at the European manufacturer make it difficult for U.S. carriers to shift orders.

Despite the issues at Boeing, airline executives and aviation officials have expressed support for the company during its recent struggles, which is facing intense scrutiny from both regulatory and legislative teams.

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