The FAA has completed a key safety review of the Boeing 737 MAX 10, bringing the aircraft closer to a certification decision, according to a Reuters report published October 16 and summarized by MRO Business Today. The review was conducted by the FAA's Type Certification Board, which is made up of agency management and represents a final step before the FAA decides whether to certify the aircraft.
Three people familiar with the matter told Reuters that approval could come as soon as the week of October 19. The FAA has not confirmed a date and has said safety will determine the timeline.
Airlines have placed orders for nearly 1,500 MAX 10 aircraft, roughly 30% of Boeing's outstanding 737 backlog. Customers include United Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Ryanair, Delta Air Lines and American Airlines. Boeing originally planned to begin MAX 10 deliveries in 2020 and has already built a number of the aircraft that are awaiting delivery.
The FAA determined on October 2 that a navigation software issue Boeing disclosed in late September did not pose a safety concern and did not need to be fixed as a condition of certification. In August, the agency approved the smaller 737 MAX 7 after reviewing it for more than eight years. An engine anti-ice system problem found in 2023 had previously delayed both the MAX 7 and MAX 10.
The delay has given Airbus room to gain share of the large single-aisle market with the A321neo. Airline fleet planning, delivery schedules and the aftermarket for the 737 family all depend on when the MAX 10 enters service.
Source: MRO Business Today - https://mrobusinesstoday.com/is-the-long-wait-for-b737max-10-certification-finally-coming-to-an-end/