Fatal crashes and renewed safety concerns shadow Boeing 737 Max 10 as it wins approval for US flights after years of delays

Approval after prolonged delays

A Transportation Department official said the U.S. government was expected to announce approval on Tuesday for the Boeing 737 Max 10 to carry commercial passengers. The aircraft was first unveiled at the Paris air show in 2017 as a competitor to Airbus.

Technical and safety-related issues repeatedly delayed certification of the largest version of Boeing’s single-aisle aircraft family. Approval would complete the four-aircraft 737 Max lineup.

Safety concerns persist

Following the Max 8 crashes, the Federal Aviation Administration changed how it oversees Boeing. Over the past 18 months, the agency has eased some restrictions, increased production limits and, in July, allowed Boeing to resume certifying all its 737 Max and 787 aircraft.

Capacity and customer demand

The Max 10 can carry as many as 230 passengers. Boeing designed it to carry more passengers while using less fuel than older models, a combination the article says is attractive to airlines facing higher jet fuel costs amid the U.S. war with Iran.

United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, American Airlines and Ryanair are among the Max 10’s major customers. Boeing’s website lists about 4,500 aircraft in its overall 737 backlog.

Production plans and wider context

Boeing’s effort to secure approval is part of a broader push to steady its finances and restore public confidence after years of quality, safety and production problems. The article says Boeing’s CEO, Ortberg, noted the aircraft would not fit nose-to-tail on the Renton, Washington, production line, but could be accommodated in Everett. That would allow a greater mix of longer aircraft as production increases.