FAA certifies Boeing's new 737 Max 7 jetliner for flight after years of delays

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration has approved Boeing’s 737 Max 7 for commercial service, clearing the smallest variant of the Max family nearly a decade after Boeing unveiled it. The certification marks a step in Boeing’s efforts to address years of safety, quality and production issues that followed the Max’s grounding. The FAA said it approved the aircraft after additional testing, design changes, and a comprehensive review of its design and safety systems. Approval was delayed as Boeing responded to technical problems and increased regulatory scrutiny after two fatal Max 8 crashes in 2018 and 2019. The FAA required updates including new flight-control software, improved cockpit alerts, and a redesigned engine anti-ice system. Safety inspectors will stay at Boeing facilities to monitor production, and the Max 7 is expected mainly for short- and medium-haul routes, with Southwest among carriers holding orders.