Boeing 737 MAX 7 Receives FAA Clearance After Eight-Year Delay

The Boeing 737 MAX 7 has finally received clearance from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) after an eight-year certification campaign. The approval comes despite several setbacks, including two fatal crashes that killed 346 people and a factory-quality crisis.

Boeing's smallest MAX model has undergone significant updates since its first flight in March 2018. The company updated the plane's flight-control software, improved warnings shown to pilots, and redesigned the engine anti-ice system.

The FAA conducted extensive review, including 441 test flights totaling 686 hours and 349 hours of ground testing. Boeing Commercial Airplanes chief Stephanie Pope said the experience has taught important lessons that are being applied to the larger MAX 10 jet.