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 amended type certificate was issued on Tuesday at Boeing’s facility in Everett, Washington, completing certification of the four-aircraft MAX lineup. First deliveries are expected in 2027, subject to aircraft conformity checks and individual approvals before passenger service.
The approval follows an extended programme of design reviews, safety assessments and flight testing involving more than 2,000 flight-test hours and 1,000 ground-test hours. Changes required under the 2020 Aircraft Certification, Safety, and Accountability Act and National Transportation Safety Board recommendations include an enhanced angle-of-attack sensor and related flight-control-system updates.
The 737-10 can accommodate up to 230 passengers in a maximum-seat configuration, while a typical two-class layout holds 185 to 210 passengers. Its range is up to 3,100 nautical miles (5,740 km). The aircraft represents more than 30% of Boeing’s unfilled 737 MAX orders, with airlines having placed nearly 1,500 orders for the type.
U.S. certification does not authorise worldwide operations. Validation by Transport Canada and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency is expected to take several more months. WestJet is expected to receive an early aircraft, with its first delivery planned for early 2027.