Boeing's Bitter Victory: 737 MAX 7 Certified, But Nobody Wants It
The Boeing 737 MAX 7 has finally received certification from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), after nearly eight years of development. This achievement marks a significant milestone for Boeing, but it's not necessarily good news for the company.
Southwest Airlines holds around 90% of the order book, with just a handful of other airlines committing to the MAX 7. Boeing says it is preparing the first aircraft for delivery to Southwest, but no firm date has been set.
The certification process was delayed due to concerns over the engine anti-ice system, which could cause overheating and structural weakness. However, Boeing's initial request for a safety exemption was denied, and the company eventually redesigned the hardware.
The MAX 7 is smaller than its predecessor, with a seating capacity of around 135-160 passengers in a two-class layout. While it offers improved fuel efficiency, its costs are almost as high as those of the larger MAX 8, making it less economically viable for most airlines.