Boeing 737 MAX 7 Certified By Summer & MAX 10 By Year-End, Says FAA Chief

Certification progress for the 737 MAX line is advancing, with the FAA aiming to certify the MAX 7 this summer and the MAX 10 by year-end, according to FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford. Southwest Airlines remains the launch customer for the MAX 7, with firm orders for almost 270 jets, comprising roughly 90% of commitments for this variant; first deliveries are still forecast for early 2027. Boeing plans to boost MAX production from 42 to 47 aircraft per month, and then to 52 per month in early 2027, aided by a fourth Everett production line. Regulators cite completed testing exceeding 80% for both variants, after redesigns to the engine anti-icing system and the engine Load Reduction Device to prevent oil leaks, as essential to resuming service.