Boeing's smallest MAX jet approved after years of delay

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has finally given the green light to Boeing's 737 MAX 7, the smallest jet in the popular MAX family. This approval arrives years later than Boeing and its airline customers had hoped, marking a significant milestone after a tumultuous period for the aircraft.

The MAX 7's journey to certification has been fraught with challenges. Deadly crashes involving the MAX 8 model in 2018 and 2019 cast a long shadow, leading to extensive scrutiny. Beyond the crashes, Boeing has grappled with ongoing safety and production issues, including the need to redesign an anti-ice system for the engine. A recent incident in early 2024, where a side panel detached from a nearly new MAX 9 shortly after takeoff, further intensified focus on the manufacturer's quality control and production systems.

The FAA stated that Monday's approval is the result of "nearly a decade of comprehensive review." The agency emphasized that the certification reflects "years of persistent work to resolve complex technical challenges and conduct a thorough review of the aircraft's design and supporting safety analyses." While the planes can technically enter service soon after approval, airlines may need several months to incorporate them into their operational plans. Boeing reportedly already has 30 MAX 7s built and is awaiting approval for the larger MAX 10, for which it has nine units constructed.