FAA Clears Boeing's Smallest 737 Max Model for Flight After Decade-Long Delay

The FAA has certified the Boeing 737 Max 7, the smallest model in the bestselling family of aircraft, after nearly a decade of delays for safety reviews.

Carriers including Southwest Airlines had expected to fly the plane before the pandemic, but increased regulatory scrutiny following the fatal crashes of the in-service Max 8, other safety and manufacturing crises, and the redesign of an engine anti-icing system delayed certification.

The agency on Monday said the approval 'reflects years of sustained work to resolve complex technical issues and complete a thorough review of the airplane's design and supporting safety analyses.'

Boeing stock rose roughly 8% in afternoon trading Monday. Airlines can finally start flying passengers soon after planes are certified, but it can take them months to work them into schedules.