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FAA: Boeing, Not Us, Holds 737 MAX Keys
22 Jan
Summary
- FAA administrator states Boeing must complete its work for MAX 7 and MAX 10 certification.
- Boeing faces certification delays due to an engine deicing issue on the 737 MAX.
- Alaska Airlines ordered 105 MAX 10 planes, expressing confidence in its certification.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is not the impediment to Boeing's 737 MAX 7 and MAX 10 certification, according to FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford. Speaking on Wednesday, Bedford clarified that the agency is dedicating substantial resources to assist Boeing but stressed that the manufacturer must complete its required tasks. Boeing executives have previously projected that certification for the MAX 7 and MAX 10 would occur this year.
These two variants, the smallest and largest of the popular single-aisle jet, have faced certification hurdles primarily due to an engine deicing issue. Boeing also experienced delays with its widebody 777X jet. As of January 21, 2026, Boeing holds over 1,200 orders for the MAX 10. In a positive development earlier this month, the FAA approved the MAX 10's progression to the second phase of its flight testing.
Alaska Airlines recently placed an order for 105 MAX 10 airplanes, with CEO Ben Minicucci expressing confidence in the model's certification within the current year. The FAA has been working on streamlining the certification process, with "Skunk Works" projects exploring efficiency improvements.
