Boeing’s 737 Max 10 Receives FAA Certification

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy presented the certification of Boeing’s 737 Max 10 aircraft to Jim Williams, Boeing 737 Development Program chief engineer, and Chris Payne, Boeing Commercial Airplanes vice president and program manager. This took place on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at Boeing’s factory in Everett, Washington.

Nearly a decade after Boeing introduced its largest 737 Max jet, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has approved the Max 10 for passenger service, resolving several years of delays. This certification marks a significant milestone in Boeing’s journey to restore its reputation and financial stability following years marked by safety, quality, and production challenges. The certification means the aircraft can now be sold to both domestic and international carriers.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy emphasized that the certification followed “extensive safety reviews” including thousands of hours of test flights. He described it as a triumph for American manufacturing. “It took almost 10 years to get here. We all probably had a little less gray hair 10 years ago,” said Duffy during his visit to Boeing’s plant in Everett, Washington.

The Max 10 is a vital component of Boeing’s strategy to regain momentum in the narrow-body aircraft market. For airlines, the larger aircraft means the ability to transport more passengers on a single flight, potentially reducing costs per seat. For travelers, this could translate into more available seats on popular routes, though the impact on ticket prices will depend on airlines’ deployment strategies and competitive dynamics.

Stephanie Pope, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, remarked that the certification “clears the path to deliver an airplane that will set a new standard in commercial aviation.” The Max 10 typically seats 185-210 passengers compared to 175-195 on the Max 9 and 160-180 on the Max 8. “Today is a special day, marking years of hard work and dedication by many,” said Pope. “It signifies another vital milestone in our recovery and opens the door to future growth.” Boeing anticipates beginning deliveries in 2027.

Boeing showcased the single-aisle jet at the Paris air show in 2017 as a competitive response to rival Airbus. Despite facing technical and regulatory obstacles that delayed certification, Boeing’s challenges worsened after two fatal crashes involving the smaller Max 8 resulted in 346 deaths in 2018 and 2019 off Indonesia and in Ethiopia. A 2024 incident involving an Alaska Airlines Max 9 further heightened scrutiny of Boeing’s manufacturing and safety protocols.

The delays have significantly impacted Boeing’s operations. More than 30 customers worldwide await the delivery of 1,555 Max 10s, representing over 30% of Boeing’s total 737 Max orders. Major clients include United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, and Ryanair. Alaska Airlines joined the roster in January, ordering 105 Max 10s with options for an additional 35 units.

The Max 10 is designed to rival Airbus’s A321neo model family, which entered the market in 2017. The A321neo can carry more passengers and fly longer distances without refueling. Boeing’s Max 10 aims to transport more passengers while consuming less fuel than older aircraft models—a potentially compelling offer for airlines contending with high jet fuel prices amid the U.S. war with Iran. These rising costs are pressuring airlines to manage expenses.

The FAA’s certification confirms that the Max 10’s design adheres to safety standards following engineering evaluations and flight testing. Boeing must demonstrate that it consistently manufactures the aircraft according to the approved design, with each unit requiring clearance before passenger operations. The certification of the Max 10 completes the lineup of four 737 Max models, with the FAA approving the Max 7 for airline operations in August.

Pope highlighted that the certification of both the Max 7 and Max 10 within the same year underscores the company’s resilience. Following the Max 8 crashes, the FAA reformed its certification process for Boeing aircraft but has relaxed some restrictions over the past 18 months, increasing Boeing’s production limits. In July, the FAA allowed Boeing to resume issuing airworthiness certificates for its 737 Max and 787 planes, enabling the company to reclaim some responsibility for determining whether completed aircraft are ready for flight.