FAA Clears Boeing's 737 MAX 7 for Delivery After Decade-Long Review
The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has given long-awaited approval to Boeing's 737 MAX 7, marking a significant milestone for the American planemaker. This certification comes after nearly a decade of review and years of delays.
Boeing had faced a more stringent certification process following two fatal crashes in 2018 and 2019, as well as scrutiny over its production and quality systems after an incident in January 2024 involving an Alaska Airlines MAX 9. The company was required to incorporate key improvements and address recommendations from the National Transportation Safety Board.
The FAA approval allows Boeing to move forward with deliveries of the MAX 7, which offers 135-160 seats and provides about 10% more range potential than other MAX planes. Boeing has already built around 30 MAX 7s, which are awaiting delivery. The company is preparing for the first delivery in collaboration with Southwest Airlines, the launch customer.
Boeing's share price rose by approximately 1.2% after Reuters reported the news of the certification, and was up 6.7% for the day. FAA Deputy Administrator Chris Rocheleau stated that approval of the larger MAX 10 would be 'right behind' the MAX 7.