FAA Grants Boeing 737-7 Certification After Decade-Long Delay

After nearly a decade of testing and scrutiny, Boeing's smallest jet in the 737 MAX family has finally received certification from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The 737-7, also known as the MAX 7, can now carry passengers after completing over 1,000 hours of flight and ground testing.

The certification marks a significant milestone for Boeing, which faced intense scrutiny following two deadly crashes involving its 737 MAX jets in 2018 and 2019. The program was plagued by delays and setbacks, including a redesign of the engine anti-ice system.

Southwest Airlines is set to be the launch customer for the 737-7, with the company having already assembled aircraft and waiting for delivery. Boeing's President and CEO, Stephanie Pope, hailed the certification as a validation of the company's design and development process.