Breaking News: Boeing 737 MAX 7 Receives FAA Certification

After years of uncertainty and months of waiting in anticipation, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration has finally granted Boeing an amended type certificate for the new Boeing 737 MAX 7 airplane, effectively clearing it for commercial service.

The smallest and longest-range member of the 737 MAX family, the 737-7 model serves an important market segment by offering 135 to 160 seats while providing about 10% more range potential than its siblings.

Like other 737 MAX jets, the 737-7 reduces fuel use and CO2 emissions by 20% and noise footprint by 50% compared to the airplanes it typically replaces.

The regulatory approval caps a multi-year certification effort in which Boeing demonstrated through comprehensive testing and analysis that the airplane meets all commercial aviation regulations. The test program, which began in 2018, included:

• More than 1,000 hours of flight and ground testing 

• Extensive system safety analysis and human factors reviews 

• An updated engine anti-ice system to address a potential condition that was discovered during flight testing 

Boeing and Southwest Airlines, the 737-7 launch customer, are preparing for delivery of the first airplane. A team is readying the first airplanes, including implementing updates to the airplane's final configuration. 

The FAA also updated Boeing Production Certificate No. 700 (PC 700) to include the 737-7. 

The Boeing 737 MAX family order book stands at more than 7,200 airplanes, of which more than 2,300 have already been delivered through the end of June 2026. 

The Boeing 737-7 typically seats 135-160 passengers in a two-class configuration and offers a range of up to 3,800 nautical miles (7,040 km). The airplane is designed for exceptional performance for operators flying out of airports at high altitudes and hot climates.  

Other 737 MAX family members include the 737 MAX 8 which seats 160-180 passengers with a range of up to 6,480 km, the 737 MAX 9 which carries 175-195 passengers with a range of up to 6,110 km, and the 737-10, the largest in the family seating 185-210 passengers with a range of up to 5,740 km. Boeing is working to certify the 737-10 this year. 

A leading global aerospace company and top U.S. exporter, Boeing develops, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries.