FAA Certifies Boeing's New 737 Max 7 Jetliner After Years of Delays

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has certified Boeing's new 737 Max 7 jetliner for commercial service, nearly a decade after its unveiling. The certification marks a milestone in Boeing's efforts to overcome years of safety, quality, and production challenges.

The FAA cleared the aircraft after conducting additional testing, design changes, and an extensive review of its design and safety systems. This approval comes after Boeing addressed technical issues and heightened regulatory scrutiny following two crashes involving the larger Max 8 that killed 346 people in 2018 and 2019.

Before signing off on the aircraft, the FAA required Boeing to make several safety changes, including updating flight-control software, improving cockpit alerts for pilots, and redesigning the engine anti-ice system to prevent overheating. The agency said its oversight of Boeing would continue beyond the Max 7's approval.

The Max 7 is expected to be used primarily on short- and medium-haul routes. Several carriers, including Southwest Airlines, have outstanding orders for the plane.