FAA Says It Is Not Blocking Boeing 737 MAX 7 and MAX 10 Certification

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has pushed back against claims that it is delaying the certification of Boeing’s 737 MAX 7 and MAX 10 aircraft, stating that the responsibility ultimately lies with the manufacturer. Speaking to reporters in Washington on Wednesday, FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford emphasized that the agency has dedicated substantial resources to support Boeing’s certification efforts but cannot replace the company’s own obligations.

According to Bedford, the FAA has actively worked alongside Boeing to move the smaller 737 MAX 7 and the larger MAX 10 through the certification process. However, he stressed that Boeing must complete the remaining technical and compliance work. He made it clear that the FAA is not the roadblock preventing certification of the two long-delayed aircraft variants.

The comments come amid renewed momentum in Boeing’s certification campaign. Earlier this month, reports indicated that the FAA approved the 737 MAX 10 to advance into the second phase of flight testing, a critical step toward final certification. Boeing executives have previously stated they expect both the MAX 7 and MAX 10 to be certified within the year, a timeline closely watched by airlines and investors.

The 737 MAX 10 is especially significant for Boeing, with more than 1,200 orders in its backlog, according to aviation analytics firm Cirium. The aircraft is expected to be assembled at Boeing’s Everett, Washington facility on a newly established production line known as the 737 North Line. Due to its length, the MAX 10 cannot be efficiently assembled at Boeing’s long-standing Renton plant, where 737 production has taken place for decades.

Boeing has faced certification delays largely tied to an engine de-icing issue affecting both the MAX 7 and MAX 10, as well as ongoing challenges with its 777X widebody program. Despite these hurdles, the FAA recently approved an increase in 737 MAX production to 42 aircraft per month, lifting a cap that had been in place since early 2024.

Industry confidence remains cautiously optimistic. Alaska Airlines recently placed an order for 105 MAX 10 jets, with its CEO expressing confidence that certification will be completed this year. Meanwhile, FAA leadership continues to explore internal initiatives aimed at streamlining aircraft certification without compromising safety.