FAA Certifies Boeing's 737-7 After Decade-Long Review

The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has certified Boeing's 737-7 for commercial service after nearly a decade of review. The approval comes after the FAA required major safety changes, including revised flight-control software and an updated engine anti-ice system.

Boeing's certification campaign involved over 1,000 hours of flight and ground testing, as well as extensive system safety analysis and human factors reviews. Flight testing uncovered a potential condition in the engine anti-ice system, prompting a redesign to prevent the engine inlet from overheating and weakening the surrounding structure.

Boeing's president and CEO of Commercial Airplanes, Stephanie Pope, said that this certification validates the rigor of their airplane's design and recognizes the determination and resilience of their 737 MAX development team. Mike Sinnett, senior vice president of product strategy, added that they have developed a clearer understanding of regulatory requirements and expect it to accelerate future airplane development.

The 737-7 has a range of about 4,370 miles (7,040km) and seats 135 to 160 passengers in a two-class layout. Boeing is preparing the first delivery to launch customer Southwest Airlines, which expects to put the 737-7 into service in early 2027.