Boeing's 737-7 Receives FAA Certification for Commercial Service

Boeing has received certification from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for its 737-7 aircraft, paving the way for its delivery to Southwest Airlines, the model's launch customer. The FAA granted Boeing an amended type certificate and updated the company's production certificate to include the new model.

The certification concludes a program that began in 2018 and involved over 1,000 hours of flight and ground testing, as well as extensive system safety analyses, human factors reviews, and updates to the engine anti-ice system. The 737-7 is designed to accommodate between 135 and 160 passengers in a two-class configuration and has a range of up to 3,800 nautical miles.

Boeing said the aircraft is also designed to perform effectively at high-altitude locations and hot climates, reducing fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions by 20% compared to its predecessors. The 737-7 joins the 737-8 and 737-9 as certified members of the MAX family.