FAA certifies Boeing 737 Max 7, clearing path to commercial service

Boeing said the Federal Aviation Administration has granted an amended type certificate for the 737 Max 7, clearing the smallest member of the Max family for commercial service. The company marked the milestone with an internal ceremony in Seattle on August 3.

Boeing said this is the first time in almost ten years that it has secured an amended type certificate for a major airplane derivative. The certification follows an extended review process for the Max family, which has faced heightened regulatory scrutiny in recent years.

Boeing said the approval reflects growing confidence from the FAA in its ability to maintain quality and safety standards during production. The company did not immediately say when deliveries of the Max 7 would begin to launch customers.

The Max 7 is the smallest variant in Boeing's re-engined 737 lineup. It is positioned to compete with smaller narrowbody aircraft from rival manufacturers. Airlines that have ordered the type have been waiting for certification for an extended period.

Details on entry-into-service timing and initial operators were not included in the available reporting.