The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has certified the newest and largest Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, the 737-10, clearing the way for Boeing to begin delivering the aircraft in the coming months.
The certification programme included nearly 1,000 test flights, extensive safety assessments and design reviews.
The 737-10 completes the 737 MAX family, which Boeing describes as an efficient and flexible single-aisle aircraft range. The largest model builds on the family's common architecture, with Boeing highlighting the following capabilities:
– Capacity to serve 230 passengers in a maximum seating configuration.
– The lowest per-seat costs of any single-aisle aircraft in service, according to Boeing.
– 365 nautical miles more range than competitors without auxiliary fuel tanks, according to Boeing.
The aircraft also introduces safety enhancements, including an enhanced Angle-of-Attack system that will become standard across the 737 MAX family.
Stephanie Pope, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, said, “Completing the certification program clears the path for us to deliver a Boeing airplane that will set a new standard in commercial aviation. The 737-10 offers greater capacity, longer range and the best seat economics in its class, a platform that will create more value and opportunities for airlines around the world.”
She added, “We are also delighted to complete the 737 MAX family and provide our customers the most-efficient and flexible single-aisle airplane portfolio in the industry.”
More than 30 customers around the world have ordered the 737-10 model, with orders totalling 1,555 aircraft to date, or more than 30 per cent of the 737 MAX programme's current order book.
The 737-10 is the first commercial aircraft to be certified to the full extent of the 2020 Aircraft Certification, Safety, and Accountability Act (ACSAA), which mandated enhanced documentation of safety assessments and human factors evaluations.
In compliance with ACSAA and FAA certification requirements, Boeing completed a certification programme for the 737-10, including:
– More than 2,000 total flight hours, plus 1,000 ground test hours.
– Tens of thousands of pages of documentation and many hours of formal meetings with the FAA.
Chris Payne, vice president and general manager of 737 Airplane Development Programs for Boeing Commercial Airplanes, said, “Our flight test team ran a disciplined, methodical campaign to validate every system. That rigor gives us confidence as we move toward deliveries.”
He added, “I'm incredibly proud of the entire team for their focus and professionalism.”
More Information on the 737 MAX Family
The 737 MAX programme offers a family of aircraft with 135–230 seats, providing a range of options that caters to an airline's network and fleet needs.
Customers have placed 7,350 orders for 737 MAX aircraft, of which nearly 2,500 have been delivered through the end of September 2026. The 737-10 represents more than 30 per cent of unfilled 737 MAX orders.
The 737-10, the largest in the family, will typically accommodate between 185 and 210 passengers in a two-class configuration and have a range of up to 3,100 nautical miles (5,740 km). Boeing says technological advancements also result in a 20 per cent reduction in CO₂ emissions and fuel use.
The 737-10 joins the 737-7, 737-8, 737-8-200 and 737-9, each with its own capabilities, including:
– 737-7: The 737-7 typically seats 135–160 passengers in a two-class configuration and offers a range of up to 3,800 nautical miles (7,040 km). The aircraft is designed for operations at high-altitude airports and in hot climates. The FAA certified the 737-7 earlier this year.
– 737-8: The 737-8 seats 160–180 passengers with a range of up to 3,500 nautical miles (6,480 km). Boeing says it can profitably serve almost any short- and medium-haul market.
– 737-9: The 737-9 has three more seating rows than the 737-8 and serves 175–195 passengers with a range of up to 3,300 nautical miles (6,110 km).
