The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced the certification of the smallest narrow-body MAX aircraft version. This process took considerably longer due to new federal regulatory requirements introduced after two fatal MAX crashes in 2018 and 2019.
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“This important certification confirms the meticulousness of our aircraft design and recognizes the determination and resilience of our 737 MAX development team,” said Stephanie Pope, President of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “Our team focused on meeting all requirements and delivering a safer and more efficient aircraft to our customers.”
The FAA approval was granted after an “almost decade-long comprehensive evaluation,” which took place following “many years of continuous work addressing complex technical issues,” the agency said.
Initially, Boeing planned to begin delivering the 737 MAX 7 model, which seats up to 172 passengers, in 2019. However, this plan collapsed after two fatal crashes, followed by an almost catastrophic Alaska Airlines flight in January 2024, during which a fuselage panel detached.
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To obtain the certificate, Boeing conducted 441 test flights totaling 686 hours.
As the certification process moves forward, Boeing plans to increase MAX production volumes in the near future.
The company announced on Monday that it is “preparing the first aircraft” for delivery to its first customer – Southwest Airlines.
