The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration has certified Boeing’s 737-10, the largest member of the 737 MAX family, clearing the way for production and customer deliveries. The approval, issued at Boeing’s facility in Everett, Washington, removes the main regulatory barrier facing the long-delayed aircraft. Boeing expects deliveries to begin in the coming months, with the first aircraft expected to reach customers in 2027.
The FAA issued an amended type certificate confirming compliance with applicable design and safety requirements, together with an updated Production Limitation Record authorising production. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy presented the certification documents to Boeing officials in Everett.
The certification completes approval of the four principal 737 MAX variants, following the smaller MAX 7’s certification in August. The campaign included nearly 1,000 test flights, more than 2,000 flight hours and about 1,000 hours of ground testing, alongside extensive safety assessments, design reviews and documentation.
The 737-10 is the first commercial aircraft certified to the full requirements of the 2020 Aircraft Certification, Safety, and Accountability Act. Required changes included an enhanced angle-of-attack sensor and related flight-control-system improvements addressing the legislation and National Transportation Safety Board recommendations. Boeing plans to make the enhanced system standard on new MAX aircraft and offer it as a retrofit for aircraft already in service.
With capacity for up to 230 passengers, the aircraft is Boeing’s highest-capacity 737 MAX model. Certification does not by itself authorise immediate passenger service: Boeing must demonstrate consistent production to the approved design, and each aircraft requires separate FAA clearance before carrying passengers.