US Regulators Clear Boeing's 737 MAX 7 After Eight-Year Wait

Boeing has secured certification for its 737 MAX 7 aircraft from US regulators after an eight-year wait. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced the approval on Monday, following a prolonged process that was delayed by new requirements under federal legislation in response to two fatal crashes in 2018 and 2019.

The FAA said it took almost a decade of extensive review, with Boeing completing 441 flight tests over 686 test flight hours. This comes after the company originally planned to start deliveries on the 737 MAX 7 in 2019, but that timeframe was pushed back due to the crashes and subsequent regulatory issues.

Boeing's president of Commercial Airplanes, Stephanie Pope, said the certification 'validates the rigor of our airplane's design' and recognizes the determination of its development team. The company is also close to winning certification for the 737 MAX 10 and is working with regulators on the 777X.