Boeing 737 MAX 7 Secures FAA Type Certification After Eight-Year Wait

The Boeing 737 MAX 7 has finally received Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) type certification, marking the end of an eight-year certification campaign. The FAA granted Boeing an amended type certificate for the aircraft on August 3, 2026, allowing the company to manufacture the 737-7 under its approved production system.

However, certification will not result in an immediate entry into service. Boeing said it and launch customer Southwest Airlines are preparing the first aircraft for delivery, including bringing already-built jets up to the final certified configuration. The first 737-7 delivery is expected in 2027, while Southwest needs approximately six months after certification to add the aircraft to its operating specifications.

The FAA's approval follows a test program that began in 2018 and included more than 1,000 hours of flight and ground testing, extensive system-safety analysis, and additional human-factors reviews. Boeing redesigned the engine anti-ice system to address a potential condition discovered during flight testing.