Boeing says wiring flaws could delay first-quarter deliveries of 737 MAX jets

Boeing said on Tuesday first-quarter deliveries of its narrow-body 737 MAX jets could face delays due to wiring flaws, the latest hiccup for the troubled planemaker as CEO Kelly Ortberg looks to improve its reputation.

"Our 737 program is performing rework on a group of airplanes to fix wires that have small scratches due to a machining error," Boeing said, adding that production of its new MAX jets continue at the existing rate.

The planemaker said all in-service 737 MAX airplanes can continue operate safely and that it did not expect the issue to impact its year-end total delivery.

The announcement comes after company said on Tuesday it delivered 51 jets in February - the highest total for the month since 2018 and an increase from 46 in January.