FAA certifies Boeing 737-7 for commercial service

International

Approval clears the smallest 737 MAX variant for delivery as Boeing prepares first aircraft for customers

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has awarded Boeing an amended type certificate for the 737-7, authorising the aircraft for commercial service. The approval marks the completion of a multi-year certification programme and allows Boeing to begin deliveries of the newest member of the 737 MAX family.

Boeing and launch customer Southwest Airlines are now preparing for the first aircraft handovers, while production is being aligned with the final certified configuration.

Smallest member of the 737 MAX family

The 737-7 is the smallest and longest-range variant of the 737 MAX series. Configured with 135 to 160 seats in a typical two-class layout, the aircraft offers around 10 per cent more range than the other MAX models.

Compared with the aircraft it is designed to replace, the 737-7 is expected to reduce fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions by 20 per cent, while cutting the noise footprint by half.

“This important certification validates the rigor of our airplane's design and recognizes the determination and resilience of our 737 MAX development team,” said Stephanie Pope, President and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes.

Certification programme included extensive testing

The certification campaign began in 2018 and included more than 1,000 hours of flight and ground testing, alongside comprehensive system safety assessments and human factors evaluations.

The programme also introduced an updated engine anti-ice system to address a condition identified during flight testing.

“Our Boeing team held regular and detailed discussions with the FAA to ensure Boeing understood the requirements and provided transparency of our progress,” said Mike Sinnett, Senior Vice President of Product Strategy, Product Development and Development Programs.

Deliveries to begin

Following certification, Boeing is completing the final configuration updates for the first production aircraft. Southwest Airlines, the launch customer for the 737-7, is preparing to introduce the aircraft into its fleet.

The FAA has also updated Boeing’s Production Certificate No. 700 to include the 737-7, allowing the company to manufacture and deliver the newly certified aircraft.