Boeing 737 MAX 10 edges closer to FAA certification

Boeing’s long-delayed 737 MAX 10 is nearing approval from the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which could come as early as next week following a key safety review, Reuters reported.

The Type Certification Board, comprising FAA management officials, conducts a final review before the agency makes a certification decision. Approval of the 737 MAX 10, a larger variant of Boeing’s best-selling 737 MAX family, would mark a key milestone for the US planemaker.

The Boeing 737 MAX family comprises four main variants, ranging from the 737 MAX 7 to the 737 MAX 10, as well as the high-density 737 MAX 8-200. Notably, the smallest variant in the family, the 737 MAX 7, received FAA approval for service in August this year.

According to Reuters, Boeing has faced increased scrutiny of its certification process following two fatal 737 MAX 8 crashes in 2018 and 2019. The company has also faced scrutiny of its production and quality systems since a cabin panel blew out mid-flight on a nearly new Alaska Airlines 737 MAX 9 in January 2024.

When asked for comment, the FAA said, ‘Safety dictates the certification timeline.’ Boeing referred questions to the FAA.

Boeing initially planned to begin deliveries of the 737 MAX 10 in 2020. However, the programme has faced multiple delays.

A problem with the engine anti-ice system identified in 2023 further delayed certification of the Boeing 737 MAX 7 and MAX 10. More recently, a software glitch affecting some Boeing 737 MAX flight computers raised concerns over the MAX 10’s certification. However, the FAA later said an expert panel had determined that the software issue did not pose a safety risk, clearing the way for certification of the largest variant in the narrow-body family.

The software issue affecting the Boeing 737 MAX could cause an automated navigation feature to fail during landing. The problem was linked to a cockpit software update and could occur when flight crews modified their planned flight path after a missed approach.

In India, both Air India Express and Akasa Air are future operators of the Boeing 737 MAX 10. Both airlines currently operate the Boeing 737 MAX 8.