FAA Clears Boeing's 737 Max 7 for Passenger Flights

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has certified Boeing's 737 Max 7 for passenger flights, marking a major milestone after nearly a decade of delays and scrutiny. The certification comes following years of review and new safety requirements from the FAA after two deadly crashes involving the Max 8 in 2018 and 2019 that killed 346 people.

The FAA required Boeing to make several improvements before granting approval, including updates to the flight-control software, enhancements to the cockpit alert system, and a redesign of the engine anti-ice system. Boeing completed 686 flight test hours over 441 flights, along with extensive ground testing, to meet these requirements.

The FAA said its safety inspectors will remain at Boeing's facilities to closely monitor the manufacturing of the Max 7, overseeing the company's Safety Management System and overall safety culture. Airlines like Southwest Airlines, which has ordered more than 260 Max 7 jets, expect to begin receiving the planes in the coming months to replace older aircraft on short- and medium-haul routes.