FAA Certifies Boeing 737 Max 7 After Years-Long Delay
Boeing's wait is over as the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has given long-awaited approval to Boeing's 737 Max 7. This milestone for the American planemaker comes after a more stringent certification process due to two fatal crashes in 2018 and 2019, and scrutiny of Boeing's production and quality systems.
Boeing had expected the plane to be approved before the end of 2022 but faced delays. The FAA required key improvements and addressed recommendations from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), including updates to flight-control software, a redesigned engine anti-ice system, and a new flight crew alerting system.
The certification is a boost for Boeing, with its share price rising 1.2% after Reuters first reported the news of the Max 7 certification, and was up 6.7% for the day.
Boeing said preparations are underway to support first deliveries of the plane, which offers 135 to 160 seats and provides about 10% more range potential than other Max planes.