Boeing (BA) 737 Max 10 Gains FAA Approval After Years of Delay

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approved the Boeing 737 Max 10 on Tuesday, marking the last model in Boeing's 737 Max family to receive government certification after years of delays. This approval follows a review of a navigation system glitch, which the FAA said does not affect flight safety.

The 737 Max 10, the largest model in the series, was initially expected to start service in 2020 but faced delays due to increased regulatory scrutiny after two Max crashes in 2018 and 2019 and additional required engineering changes, including adjustments to the engine anti-icing system. Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg noted at a Morgan Stanley conference that orders for the Max 10 represent about 30% of the company’s backlog, with major customers such as Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, United Airlines, and Delta Air Lines.

This certification enables airlines to begin flying passengers on the 737 Max 10, although it may take months to incorporate the aircraft into their schedules. The FAA had earlier approved the smaller 737 Max 7 in early August. Boeing is also increasing production capacity, having opened a fourth production line for 737 Max airplanes in Everett, Washington. This certification is a key milestone for Boeing as it aims to ramp up deliveries and recover from past setbacks.