FAA clears the way for airlines to put Boeing's long-delayed 737 Max 10 into service

Certification opens sales path

The FAA’s approval followed engineering reviews and flight testing. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said the process included thousands of hours of test flights and extensive safety reviews. At Boeing’s factory in Everett, Washington, Duffy called the certification a win for American manufacturing. Boeing Commercial Airplanes chief Stephanie Pope said it clears the way for deliveries and supports the company’s future growth.

The approval completes the four-model 737 Max lineup. Boeing must still demonstrate that it can build the aircraft consistently to its approved design, and each plane needs clearance before it can carry passengers.

A larger option for airlines

Boeing says the Max 10 typically seats 185 to 210 passengers. The Max 9 seats 175 to 195, while the Max 8 seats 160 to 180. The larger jet could let airlines carry more people on each flight and potentially reduce costs per seat. Any effect on fares will depend on how carriers use the aircraft and the level of competition on routes.

More than 30 customers worldwide have ordered 1,555 Max 10s that remain undelivered, representing more than 30% of Boeing’s 737 Max backlog. Major customers include United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, American Airlines and Ryanair; Alaska Airlines ordered 105 in January, with options for 35 more.

Delays amid safety scrutiny

Boeing introduced the single-aisle Max 10 at the 2017 Paris air show to compete with Airbus, but technical and regulatory hurdles repeatedly postponed certification. The aircraft is intended to rival Airbus’s A321neo family, which entered service in 2017.