The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration has certified Boeing’s 737-7, clearing the smallest member of the 737 MAX family for commercial service. The FAA granted Boeing an amended type certificate for the aircraft and updated the company’s production certificate to include the new model.
Boeing is now preparing to deliver the first 737-7 aircraft to Southwest Airlines, the model’s launch customer. The company said initial airplanes are being readied for delivery, including updates needed to place them in their final production configuration.
The approval concludes a certification program that began in 2018 and included more than 1,000 hours of flight and ground testing.
Boeing also completed extensive system safety analyses, human factors reviews and updates to the aircraft’s engine anti-ice system after a potential condition was identified during flight testing.
The 737-7 typically seats between 135 and 160 passengers in a two-class configuration and can fly up to 3,800 nautical miles, or approximately 7,040 kilometers.
That gives the aircraft about 10% more potential range than other 737 MAX models, positioning it for airlines that need a smaller single-aisle aircraft with longer-range capabilities.
Boeing said the aircraft is also designed to perform effectively at airports in high-altitude locations and hot climates.
Compared with aircraft it is generally intended to replace, the 737-7 is designed to reduce fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions by 20% while lowering its noise footprint by 50%.
The 737-7 joins the 737-8 and 737-9 as certified members of the MAX family. Boeing is continuing work toward certification of the larger 737-10 and expects to complete that process during 2026.
The 737-8 typically accommodates 160 to 180 passengers and has a range of up to 3,500 nautical miles. The 737-9 seats approximately 175 to 195 passengers and offers a range of up to 3,300 nautical miles.
The 737-10, the largest member of the family, is designed to carry between 185 and 210 passengers with a range of up to 3,100 nautical miles.
Boeing said the 737 MAX family has accumulated orders for more than 7,200 aircraft. More than 2,300 had been delivered through the end of June 2026.
The 737-7 certification is an important step for Boeing as it works to complete the MAX product lineup and begin fulfilling long-standing customer orders for the aircraft.
KEY QUOTES:
“This important certification validates the rigor of our airplane’s design and recognizes the determination and resilience of our 737 MAX development team.”
“Our team of dedicated engineers and test experts worked through challenges, an extended pandemic and the transition to new certification processes. Through it all, our team stayed focused on completing all requirements and delivering a safe and more capable airplane to our customers.”
Stephanie Pope, President and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes
“Our Boeing team held regular and detailed discussions with the FAA to ensure Boeing understood the requirements and provided transparency of our progress.”
“With this certification program, Boeing has developed a clearer understanding of the latest regulatory requirements, which is expected to accelerate future airplane development with a renewed emphasis on human factors, safety and quality.”
Mike Sinnett, Senior Vice President of Product Strategy, Product Development and Development Programs at Boeing
