FAA certifies Boeing 737 MAX 7, seven years late

The Federal Aviation Administration certified Boeing's 737 MAX 7 for commercial service on Monday, seven years after the jet was originally scheduled for approval in 2019. The amended type certificate clears the way for Boeing to deliver roughly 30 stored aircraft and unlock significant revenue. The certification follows extensive FAA review requiring updates to flight-control software, crew alerting systems, and a redesigned engine anti-ice system. Boeing shares rose 8% Monday, though the gain was also driven by cheaper oil and a BNP Paribas upgrade. The MAX 7 seats 135 to 160 passengers and offers about 10% more range than other MAX models. Boeing expects to certify the larger 737-10 later this year, with flight testing already complete. The company delivered 171 commercial airplanes in the second quarter, up 14% year over year, and its order book exceeds 7,200 MAX aircraft. However, first MAX 7 deliveries are anticipated in 2027, and Boeing still reported a second-quarter loss.