Boeing's 737 MAX 7 Clears US FAA Certification Hurdle

The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has finally certified Boeing's 737 MAX 7, marking a significant milestone for the American planemaker. The certification process was delayed by years, with Boeing initially expecting approval before the end of 2022.

Boeing had built about 30 MAX 7s and nine MAX 10s, which are awaiting delivery, according to aviation analytics firm Cirium. The MAX 10 accounts for at least 28% of outstanding MAX orders.

The certification process has been more stringent since two fatal MAX 8 crashes in 2018 and 2019, as well as scrutiny of the company's production and quality systems after a January 2024 mid-air cabin panel blowout on a nearly new Alaska Airlines MAX 9.