The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed on Tuesday that the Boeing 737 MAX 10 has achieved full certification, officially permitting the aerospace manufacturer to commence delivery of the aircraft. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy marked the occasion at Boeing’s Everett facility, noting that the arrival of the largest model in the 737 MAX lineup had been an extended process. Duffy remarked that the decade-long journey to this point had likely added some gray hair to the heads of those involved.
Boeing initially unveiled the MAX 10 design in 2017. By 2021, the company had projected that commercial operations for this specific variant would begin in 2023, a timeline previously noted in earlier reporting. However, technical difficulties related to the deicing mechanisms on the aircraft’s engines pushed back the approval process for both the MAX 10 and the smaller MAX 7. The MAX 7 secured its certification in August, at which time Boeing Chief Executive Kelly Ortberg indicated that approval for the MAX 10 was imminent.
Stephanie Pope, who serves as president and chief executive officer of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, described the day as significant for the industry. She highlighted the rarity of a single team achieving certification for two distinct aircraft models within the same calendar year. According to a statement from the company, the 737-10 stands as the first commercial plane to be certified under the complete provisions of the 2020 Aircraft Certification, Safety, and Accountability Act, a law that requires more rigorous documentation regarding safety assessments and human factors.
The certification process involved extensive testing, including over 2,000 hours of flight time and 1,000 hours of ground testing. As the biggest variant in the family, the newly approved aircraft offers a range of 3,100 nautical miles and can seat between 185 and 210 passengers in a two-class layout. Engineering improvements have also led to a 20% decrease in fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions.
Chris Payne, the vice president and program manager for 737 Development Programs, became emotional while acknowledging the staff who finalized the aircraft design 17 months prior. Payne expressed how the camaraderie among team members made the demanding daily work enjoyable.
Secretary Duffy noted during his address that the 737 program has generated 210,000 positions within Boeing. Fred Siebert, representing Boeing’s Organization Designation Authorization unit, compared the certification milestone to watching a child graduate. This program allows specific organizations to carry out certain certification tasks on behalf of the FAA.
In a separate statement, the FAA released an amended type certificate verifying that the aircraft meets all necessary design and safety criteria, along with an updated Production Limitation Record that authorizes manufacturing. FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford stated that the decision resulted from a comprehensive review of the aircraft’s safety profile. He affirmed that the agency will maintain strict safety oversight as Boeing ramps up production of the 737 MAX-10.
Boeing Targets Higher 737 MAX Output
The aerospace manufacturer is preparing to increase production of its 737 MAX jets to a rate of 52 aircraft per month. This expansion is expected to be facilitated by the recently completed North Line in Everett.
Current output stands at 47 planes monthly, a figure set following the company's successful completion of the Federal Aviation Administration's capstone review.
The facility in Everett is responsible for assembling the 737 MAX 8, 9, and 10 variants. While the fuselage and other components are manufactured elsewhere, the wings are fabricated at the Renton site and shipped to Everett for final assembly.
When the Everett line began operations in July, the North Line was identified as a key component in helping Boeing address market demand. At that time, the company reported an order backlog exceeding 4,300 airplanes.
U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen addressed the expansion on Tuesday, calling the new line a significant advancement for the Everett facility.
"Jet demand is at a historic high," Larsen stated. He noted that the new line and its certification allow Boeing to safely raise monthly production volumes, which in turn generates local employment and provides airline customers with a quality product.
According to company data released Tuesday, the MAX 10 accounts for over 30% of unfilled 737 MAX orders. To date, customers have placed 7,350 orders for 737 MAX aircraft, with nearly 2,500 units delivered through the end of September 2026.