FAA Certifies Boeing's New 737-7 Airplane for Commercial Service

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has granted Boeing an amended type certificate for its new 737-7 airplane, clearing it for commercial service. The certification is a significant milestone in the development of the smallest and longest-range member of the 737 MAX family.

Boeing's president and CEO of Commercial Airplanes, Stephanie Pope, said that the certification validates the rigor of their airplane's design and recognizes the determination and resilience of their 737 MAX development team. The team worked through challenges during an extended pandemic and transitioned to new certification processes.

The 737-7 model offers 135 to 160 seats in a two-class configuration and provides about 10% more range potential than its siblings. Like other 737 MAX jets, the 737-7 reduces fuel use and CO2 emissions by 20% and noise footprint by 50% compared to the airplanes it typically replaces.

Boeing is working with launch customer Southwest Airlines to prepare for delivery of the first airplane. The FAA has also updated Boeing Production Certificate No. 700 (PC 700) to include the 737-7.