The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is poised to certify Boeing’s 737 MAX 10 as early as next week, following the completion of a critical safety review on Friday. This final step, conducted by the FAA’s Type Certification Board, marks a significant milestone for Boeing, which has faced heightened scrutiny since the 2018 and 2019 crashes of the MAX 8 and recent quality issues, including a cabin panel blowout on an Alaska Airlines MAX 9 in January 2024.
The MAX 10, a larger variant of Boeing’s best-selling 737 MAX, has been delayed multiple times, including due to a 2023 issue with the anti-ice system on its engines. The FAA approved the smaller MAX 7 in August after an eight-year review, but the MAX 10’s certification has been further complicated by a recent glitch in the navigation software. However, the FAA determined in early October that the issue did not pose a safety risk.
Boeing has already built several MAX 10s awaiting delivery, with nearly 1,500 orders placed by airlines such as United Airlines, Alaska, Ryanair, Delta Air Lines, and American Airlines. The model represents about 30% of Boeing’s outstanding 737 backlog and is seen as a key driver in the company’s financial recovery after years of crises. The delays have allowed European rival Airbus’s A321neo to gain market share.
Boeing is also working on certifying its largest jetliner, the 777-9, which is six years behind schedule. The company expects to complete certification and begin deliveries in 2027.