The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration has granted Boeing an amended type certificate for the new 737-7 airplane, clearing it for commercial service. Boeing announced the certification on August 3, 2026.
Stephanie Pope, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, said the certification validates the rigor of the airplane's design and recognizes the determination and resilience of the 737 MAX development team. She noted that the team worked through challenges, an extended pandemic, and the transition to new certification processes while staying focused on completing all requirements and delivering a safe, more capable airplane.
The 737-7 is the smallest and longest-range member of the 737 MAX family, seating 135 to 160 passengers in a two-class configuration with a range of up to 3,800 nautical miles (7,040 km). Compared to the airplanes it typically replaces, the 737-7 reduces fuel use and CO2 emissions by 20% and its noise footprint by 50%.
The certification test program began in 2018 and included more than 1,000 hours of flight and ground testing, extensive system safety analysis and human factors reviews, and an updated engine anti-ice system to address a potential condition discovered during flight testing. Mike Sinnett, senior vice president of Product Strategy, Product Development and Development Programs, said Boeing held regular and detailed discussions with the FAA to ensure understanding of requirements and transparency of progress.
Boeing and Southwest Airlines, the 737-7 launch customer, are preparing for delivery of the first airplane. A team is readying the first airplanes, including implementing updates to the airplane's final configuration. The FAA also updated Boeing Production Certificate No. 700 (PC 700) to include the 737-7.
The 737 MAX family order book stands at more than 7,200 airplanes, of which more than 2,300 have been delivered through the end of June 2026. Boeing also stated it is working to certify the 737-10 this year.
