Seattle, May 29 - Boeing, one of the world’s leading aerospace manufacturers, is pushing to achieve certification for its 737 MAX family of aircraft by the end of 2025, according to a statement from CEO Kelly Ortberg in an interview with Aviation Week published on May 28, 2025. The company has been working for several years to secure approval from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for the smallest and largest variants of the 737 MAX series, namely the MAX 7 and MAX 10. These certifications are critical for Boeing to begin deliveries of these aircraft, which represent a significant portion of its commercial aviation backlog and are essential for maintaining competitiveness in the narrowbody aircraft market against rivals like Airbus. The certification process has faced multiple delays, primarily due to concerns surrounding the engine anti-icing system, but Ortberg expressed optimism about resolving these issues within the year.
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The 737 MAX family, which includes the MAX 7, MAX 8, MAX 9, and MAX 10, is a cornerstone of Boeing’s commercial aviation portfolio. The MAX 7, designed for shorter routes and high-altitude operations, has a range of approximately 3,850 nautical miles and can seat up to 172 passengers in a single-class configuration. The MAX 10, the largest variant, offers increased capacity for up to 230 passengers, making it a direct competitor to the Airbus A321neo. Boeing’s order backlog for these variants is substantial, with nearly 1,200 orders for the MAX 10 and 332 for the MAX 7, underscoring their importance to airlines such as United Airlines and Southwest Airlines. However, delays in certification have pushed delivery timelines, with United Airlines’ Chief Commercial Officer Andrew Nocella indicating that MAX 10 deliveries may not commence until 2027 at the earliest.
The certification challenges stem from heightened regulatory scrutiny following two fatal 737 MAX crashes in 2018 and 2019, which killed 346 people and led to a 20-month grounding of the fleet. Investigations revealed flaws in the Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System (MCAS) and raised questions about the FAA’s oversight, prompting reforms in the certification process. The FAA now applies more rigorous standards, particularly for human factors assumptions in system safety assessments, which have extended timelines for the MAX 7 and MAX 10. Additionally, issues with the engine anti-icing system have required Boeing to redesign components to meet safety requirements, further delaying progress. Despite these hurdles, Ortberg emphasized that Boeing is collaborating closely with the FAA to address concerns and finalize the necessary documentation.
In parallel, Boeing is advancing certification efforts for its 777-9, the largest jetliner in its production lineup, with 419 orders as of May 2025. Initially slated for delivery in 2020, the 777-9 remains in flight testing, with Ortberg projecting deliveries to begin in 2026. These efforts reflect Boeing’s broader strategy to strengthen its commercial aviation offerings while navigating a complex regulatory landscape. Achieving year-end certification for the 737 MAX variants would mark a significant milestone, enabling Boeing to fulfill customer orders and reinforce its position in the global aerospace market.