Boeing’s aircraft certification is under intense scrutiny as the FAA implements sweeping reforms after a January 737 MAX 9 incident. The changes aim to improve safety oversight and streamline the approval process, affecting MAX 7 and MAX 10 production timelines.
FAA Moves to Streamline Aircraft Certification
Investing.com reports that after a plane disaster in January, the chairman of the FAA is trying to make aircraft certification easier and increase oversight of Boeing.
After a door panel missing four bolts fell off an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 9 in January, FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker said in an interview that the agency is also reevaluating its approach to broader aviation oversight.
The method for certifying aircraft is being reviewed by Whitaker.
"We are reviewing that to ensure that we are receiving the appropriate information and have the necessary tools to comprehend it. It may be more effective to involve ourselves earlier in the process to gain a better understanding of the situation," Whitaker stated. He also mentioned that the FAA is utilizing "better technology" to simplify the process.
Boeing’s MAX 7 Certification Delays Impact Airlines
Despite numerous setbacks, Boeing had anticipated to attain MAX 7 certification in 2022. To resolve an issue with engine de-icing, Boeing withdrew its request for a safety exemption in January. According to Whitaker's interview with Reuters, Boeing is expected to propose a de-icing patch this month.
The FAA can't certify the larger MAX 10 until the MAX 7 is certified. Airline delivery schedules have been extended due to delays. Reuters reported in September that Alaska Airlines CEO Ben Minicucci has stated his expectation that the airline will not acquire any 737 MAX 10s until mid-2026, at the latest.
Whitaker describes the FAA's shift from being "too hands off" to doing more in-person inspections as a "permanent change." As a result, the agency's control of Boeing has been significantly increased.
FAA Strengthens Oversight with Focus on Safety
"I think we've ramped up the level of oversight," stated the president. "The inspection points need to be focused on the key parts of that production process."
Whitaker increased the frequency of meetings and increased the number of senior officials on an agency's oversight committee. As part of a new strategy that "should give us a more agile oversight approach and prevent what may have been happening in the past," the FAA is implementing a policy of "continuously review our oversight models" for various entities, including Boeing, airlines, air traffic controllers, and others.


Asian Currencies Steady as Markets Await Fed Rate Decision; Indian Rupee Hits New Record Low
Asian Currencies Edge Higher as Markets Look to Fed Rate Cut; Rupee Steadies Near Record Lows
Dollar Holds Steady as Markets Shift Focus to 2026 Rate Cut Expectations
Oil Prices Hold Steady as Ukraine Tensions and Fed Cut Expectations Support Market
Europe Confronts Rising Competitive Pressure as China Accelerates Export-Led Growth
U.S. Futures Steady as Rate-Cut Bets Rise on Soft Labor Data
European Oil & Gas Stocks Face 2026 With Cautious Outlook Amid Valuation Pressure
Spain’s Industrial Output Records Steady Growth in October Amid Revised September Figures
Asian Markets Stabilize as Wall Street Rebounds and Rate Concerns Ease
Japan’s Nikkei Drops as Markets Await Key U.S. Inflation Data
Asian Markets Mixed as RBI Cuts Rates and BOJ Signals Possible Hike
Dollar Slides to Five-Week Low as Asian Stocks Struggle and Markets Bet on Fed Rate Cut
Australia’s Economic Growth Slows in Q3 Despite Strong Investment Activity
IMF Deputy Dan Katz Visits China as Key Economic Review Nears
China Urged to Prioritize Economy Over Territorial Ambitions, Says Taiwan’s President Lai
Asian Currencies Steady as Rupee Hits Record Low Amid Fed Rate Cut Bets 



