FAA Clears Boeing 737 Max 7 for Production After Nine-Year Review

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has finally certified the Boeing 737 Max 7 after nearly a decade of review and several design changes.

The certification clears the way for production and eventual passenger service, but it's unclear when exactly airlines will start flying the aircraft.

Southwest Airlines and other carriers had been counting on putting the Max 7 into service before the pandemic hit, but certification was repeatedly delayed due to increased regulatory scrutiny following two fatal crashes of the in-service Max 8 in 2018 and 2019.

The FAA required Boeing to make several design changes, including updates to the flight-control software and a redesigned engine anti-ice system, which give pilots clearer warnings and prevent engine inlets from overheating.