The Boeing 737 MAX family has been a cornerstone of modern commercial aviation, offering airlines fuel-efficient, high-capacity narrowbody aircraft to meet the demands of short- to medium-haul routes. However, two variants of this family, the 737 MAX 7 and MAX 10, remain uncertified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as of May 2025, raising questions about their timeline for entry into service. With significant orders from major airlines and ongoing efforts to address technical and regulatory hurdles, the certification of these aircraft is a critical issue for Boeing, its customers, and the broader aviation industry. This article explores the technical specifications of the MAX 7 and MAX 10, the reasons behind their certification delays, the steps Boeing has taken to expedite the process, the order backlog, and the likelihood of certification in 2025.
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Technical Overview of the Boeing 737 MAX 7 and MAX 10
Boeing 737 MAX 7: The Smallest Variant
The Boeing 737 MAX 7 is the smallest member of the MAX family, designed as a modern replacement for the 737-700. It offers improved fuel efficiency and operational flexibility for airlines operating shorter routes or serving airports with lower passenger demand. Key technical specifications include:
Seating Capacity: Up to 172 passengers in a single-class configuration, or 138 in a typical two-class layout.
Range: Approximately 3,850 nautical miles (7,130 km), making it suitable for regional and transcontinental flights.
Engines: Powered by CFM International LEAP-1B engines, which provide up to 14% better fuel efficiency compared to earlier 737 models.
Dimensions: The MAX 7 has a length of 35.56 meters, a wingspan of 35.9 meters, and a maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) of 80,195 kg.
Avionics and Systems: The aircraft features an advanced flight deck with large LCD displays, fly-by-wire spoilers, and the Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System (MCAS), which was redesigned following the 737 MAX crashes in 2018 and 2019.
The MAX 7 is tailored for airlines like Southwest Airlines, which operates an all-737 fleet and values the aircraft’s ability to serve smaller markets efficiently while maintaining commonality with other 737 variants.
Boeing 737 MAX 10: The Largest Variant
The Boeing 737 MAX 10 is the largest and highest-capacity member of the MAX family, positioned as a direct competitor to the Airbus A321neo. It is designed for high-demand routes and offers greater passenger capacity without sacrificing the operational advantages of a narrowbody aircraft. Its technical specifications include:
Seating Capacity: Up to 230 passengers in a single-class configuration, or 188–204 in a two-class layout.
Range: Approximately 3,100 nautical miles (5,740 km), slightly less than the MAX 7 due to its larger size and weight.
Engines: Like the MAX 7, it is powered by CFM LEAP-1B engines, optimized for efficiency and performance.
Dimensions: The MAX 10 measures 43.8 meters in length, with the same wingspan as the MAX 7 (35.9 meters) and an MTOW of 89,765 kg.
Unique Features: The MAX 10 includes a mid-cabin door for faster boarding and deboarding, a telescoping landing gear to prevent tail strikes during takeoff, and an enhanced winglet design for improved aerodynamics.
The MAX 10 appeals to airlines seeking to maximize capacity on busy routes while leveraging the cost benefits of the 737 platform, making it a favorite among low-cost carriers like Ryanair.
Reasons for Certification Delays
The certification process for the 737 MAX 7 and MAX 10 has been fraught with challenges, stemming from technical issues, regulatory scrutiny, and external disruptions. Below are the primary reasons for the delays:
1. Engine Anti-Ice (EAI) System Concerns
One of the most significant hurdles has been the engine anti-ice (EAI) system, which prevents ice buildup on the engine nacelles during flight. In 2022, Boeing identified a potential issue with the EAI system on the MAX 7 and MAX 10, which could lead to overheating and damage under certain conditions. The FAA required a redesign to ensure compliance with safety standards. Boeing withdrew an earlier request for a temporary exemption from these standards in January 2024, following the Alaska Airlines 737 MAX 9 door plug incident, which heightened regulatory caution. By April 2025, Boeing announced an engineering solution for the EAI system to be implemented on in-production aircraft, but certification timelines remained uncertain.
2. Stall Management Yaw Damper (SMYD) System Compliance
Another technical issue involves the Stall Management Yaw Damper (SMYD) system, which helps maintain aircraft stability during high-angle-of-attack scenarios. In January 2025, Boeing requested an FAA exemption from two Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) provisions related to the SMYD system, arguing that the system’s current “Level B” certification (per Radio Technical Commission for Aeronautics guidance) did not meet the stricter “Level A” requirements identified during MAX 7 certification. The exemption was intended to expedite certification, but Boeing’s withdrawal of a similar request in 2024 suggests ongoing challenges in achieving full compliance.
3. Bird Strike Certification Issues
In November 2024, Reuters reported that bird strike incidents involving Southwest Airlines aircraft in 2023 raised concerns about the MAX 7’s certification. The FAA, in collaboration with CFM International and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), began investigating potential vulnerabilities in the aircraft’s design, particularly related to engine and airframe integrity during bird strikes. This issue could further delay certification if additional testing or modifications are required.
4. Heightened FAA Scrutiny Post-MAX Crashes
The 737 MAX program has faced intense regulatory oversight since the fatal crashes of Lion Air Flight 610 (2018) and Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 (2019), which killed 346 people. These incidents, attributed to flaws in the MCAS system, led to a global grounding of the MAX fleet and an overhaul of Boeing’s certification processes. The FAA’s cautious approach to the MAX 7 and MAX 10 reflects a broader commitment to rigorous safety evaluations, slowing the certification timeline. The January 2024 Alaska Airlines door plug blowout further amplified scrutiny, prompting the FAA to maintain a 38-plane-per-month production cap on the 737 MAX until safety concerns are fully addressed.
5. Manufacturing and Supply Chain Disruptions
Boeing’s production challenges have compounded certification delays. A seven-week strike by factory workers from September to November 2024 halted 737 MAX production, delaying deliveries and diverting resources from certification efforts. Additionally, a February 2025 fire at a key supplier’s factory caused a shortage of specialized fasteners for the 737 MAX landing gear, though Boeing secured new supplies at higher costs. These disruptions have strained Boeing’s ability to meet certification and delivery schedules.
6. Geopolitical and Trade Issues
The U.S.-China trade war has indirectly impacted the MAX 7 and MAX 10 programs. In April 2025, China halted deliveries of Boeing jets, including MAX variants, in response to U.S. tariffs of 145% on Chinese goods. Several MAX 8 aircraft intended for Chinese airlines were returned to the U.S., and the uncertainty surrounding Chinese orders has added financial pressure on Boeing, potentially affecting resources allocated to certification.
Steps Boeing Has Taken to Speed Up Certification
Boeing has implemented several measures to address the certification challenges and expedite the process for the MAX 7 and MAX 10:
1. Engineering Solutions for Technical Issues
Boeing has prioritized resolving the EAI system issue, with former CEO David Calhoun announcing in April 2025 that an engineering solution would be implemented for in-production aircraft. This solution is expected to pave the way for certification in 2025, though specific timelines remain unclear. Additionally, Boeing is working to address SMYD system compliance, either by upgrading the system to “Level A” standards or securing FAA approval for a modified certification path.
2. Collaboration with Regulators
Boeing has engaged closely with the FAA, EASA, and other regulatory bodies to streamline certification. This includes regular updates on technical progress and transparency regarding testing outcomes. The company’s decision to withdraw exemption requests in response to stakeholder pressure demonstrates a commitment to meeting regulatory expectations, even at the cost of delays.
3. Increased Production Readiness
To prepare for certification, Boeing has maintained an inventory of approximately 35 MAX 7 and MAX 10 aircraft, as reported by CFO Brian West in April 2025. This stockpile ensures that Boeing can quickly deliver aircraft once certification is granted, minimizing further delays for airlines. The company is also ramping up 737 MAX production, aiming to reach the FAA’s 38-plane-per-month cap in the coming months.
4. Safety and Quality Improvements
Under CEO Kelly Ortberg, who took the helm in August 2024, Boeing has emphasized improved safety and manufacturing processes. These efforts address FAA concerns raised after the Alaska Airlines incident and aim to restore trust in the MAX program. Investments in safety programs, as part of a July 2024 plea deal with the U.S. Justice Department, further support Boeing’s case for certification.
Orders for the 737 MAX 7 and MAX 10
The 737 MAX 7 and MAX 10 have garnered significant interest from airlines, despite their delayed certification. According to FlightGlobal and Simple Flying, the order backlog for these variants as of January 2025 includes:
Boeing 737 MAX 7 Orders
Total Orders: Approximately 340 units, with the vast majority from Southwest Airlines.
Key Customers:
Southwest Airlines: The launch customer, with over 340 orders, intends to use the MAX 7 to replace its aging 737-700 fleet. Southwest has delayed deliveries to 2025 due to certification uncertainties.
Luxair: The Luxembourg flag carrier ordered four MAX 7s at the 2023 Paris Air Show, becoming the European launch customer.
WestJet: Initially ordered four MAX 7s but converted these to MAX 8s due to delays, though it retains MAX 10 orders.
Boeing 737 MAX 10 Orders
Total Orders: Approximately 810 units, representing about 10% of the MAX family’s total backlog.
Key Customers:
Ryanair: The Irish low-cost carrier has ordered around 150 MAX 10s, valuing the aircraft’s high capacity for its high-density routes.
United Airlines: Ordered 150 MAX 10s in 2017 to replace its Boeing 757-200s, though CEO Scott Kirby expressed doubts in 2024 about the aircraft’s delivery timeline.
Delta Air Lines: Plans to introduce the MAX 10 in 2026 for mid-range flights, with an unspecified number of orders.
Alaska Airlines: Expects three MAX 10s in 2026 and 17 in 2027 and beyond.
The lower order numbers for the MAX 7 and MAX 10 compared to the MAX 8 and MAX 9 reflect their uncertified status, which has deterred some airlines from committing until the aircraft proves its reliability in service.
Will Certification Happen in 2025?
The question of whether the 737 MAX 7 and MAX 10 will be certified in 2025 hinges on several factors. Boeing’s progress on the EAI and SMYD systems is promising, with the company projecting certification by the end of 2025. However, the FAA’s rigorous oversight, potential complications from bird strike testing, and external pressures like supply chain issues and trade disputes could push timelines into 2026.
Airlines like Southwest, Ryanair, and United are eagerly awaiting these aircraft, but some have hedged their bets by ordering Airbus A320neo-family aircraft or adjusting their Boeing orders to include certified MAX 8s and MAX 9s. The MAX 10, in particular, faces stiff competition from the Airbus A321neo, which offers superior range and is already in service.
Boeing’s financial health also plays a role. The company reported a narrowed loss of $31 million in Q1 2025, but ongoing delivery delays and trade disruptions with China have strained its cash flow. Successful certification of the MAX 7 and MAX 10 would bolster Boeing’s order book and revenue, but any further setbacks could erode customer confidence.
Conclusion
The Boeing 737 MAX 7 and MAX 10 represent critical components of Boeing’s strategy to reclaim market share in the narrowbody segment. Their advanced technology, fuel efficiency, and capacity make them attractive to airlines, as evidenced by over 1,150 combined orders. However, certification delays driven by technical issues, regulatory scrutiny, and external disruptions have kept these aircraft grounded. Boeing’s efforts to resolve these challenges, including engineering fixes and enhanced collaboration with regulators, offer hope for certification in 2025, but the outcome remains uncertain. As the aviation industry watches closely, the successful certification of the MAX 7 and MAX 10 will be a pivotal moment for Boeing, its customers, and the future of the 737 MAX program.