FAA Gives Green Light to Certified Boeing 737 MAX 7

The Boeing 737 MAX 7 has finally been certified by the FAA after years of delays. The agency announced that it issued an amended type certificate and updated production limitation record for the type, which was initially expected to enter commercial service in 2019.

The certification comes after the FAA required Boeing to incorporate improvements spelled out in the Aircraft Certification, Safety, and Accountability Act, and in NTSB recommendations following two fatal 737 MAX crashes in 2018 and 2019. These enhancements included updates to the MAX 7's flight control software and crew alerting system, as well as a redesigned engine anti-ice system.

The changes provide pilots with clearer information and warnings, and prevent the engine inlet from overheating and potentially weakening the surrounding structure, according to the FAA. Boeing is now authorized to begin commercial production of the aircraft.