Boeing nears type certification for 737 MAX 7; Readies 737 MAX 10 for Tests

Boeing is on the verge of securing type certification for the 737 Max 7, the compact member of its single-aisle jet family. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is anticipated to grant its approval for the aircraft sometime between November and December. Some reports even suggest that the type certification might be issued as early as November. This development paves the way for the 737-7, as it's colloquially known, to potentially enter commercial service in early 2024.

The imminent rollout of the model for commercial use will also coincide with the commencement of formal certification tests for the 737 MAX 10, the largest iteration of the aircraft to date, with a capacity of up to 230 passengers. To initiate the FAA inspection phase, which encompasses certification test flights, Boeing must meet a set of requirements, of which it has already satisfied 70 per cent.

The plan is for the 737-10 evaluation programme to span approximately one year, with the official type certification expected to be issued by the end of 2024. This timeline would enable Boeing to deliver the first aircraft in the first quarter of 2025.

This schedule aligns with comments made earlier this year by Mike Fleming, Senior Vice President of Development Programs and Customer Support for the 737. In May, Fleming informed the media that Boeing's updated timetable anticipates 737-7 certification and 737-10 Type Inspection Authorization (TIA) within the current calendar year, with 737-10 certification anticipated in 2024. Nevertheless, he emphasised that the evolving certification landscape requires flexibility, and nothing is set in stone until the FAA provides official approval.

As per the aircraft manufacturer's data, the count of gross orders stood at 1,071 until September, with 963 net orders attributed to the 737 MAX 10. Meanwhile, the 737-7 accumulated 319 gross orders (equating to 291 net orders) before receiving an additional order for 108 aircraft from Southwest Airlines, the launch customer for the 737 MAX 7. The airline initially expected to start receiving these planes in 2023 but has revised its fleet modernisation plan and now anticipates having 27 aircraft in service by the next year.