The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration has granted Boeing an amended type certificate for the 737-7, clearing the airplane for commercial service, the company announced August 3, 2026.
The certification caps a multi-year program that began in 2018, according to Boeing. The test effort included more than 1,000 hours of flight and ground testing, extensive system safety analysis, human factors reviews, and the development of an updated engine anti-ice system to address a condition identified during flight testing. The FAA also updated Boeing Production Certificate No. 700 to include the 737-7 variant.
The 737-7 is the smallest and longest-range member of the 737 MAX family. It seats 135 to 160 passengers in a two-class configuration and carries a maximum range of 3,800 nautical miles (7,040 km). Boeing says the type offers approximately 10% more range than its 737 MAX siblings, a 20% reduction in fuel use and CO2 emissions, and a 50% smaller noise footprint compared to the airplanes it typically replaces. Boeing notes the 737-7 is particularly suited to operators flying from high-altitude or hot-climate airports.
“This important certification validates the rigor of our airplane’s design and recognizes the determination and resilience of our 737 MAX development team,” said Stephanie Pope, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes.
Mike Sinnett, senior vice president of Product Strategy, Product Development and Development Programs, said the certification program has given Boeing a clearer understanding of current regulatory requirements and is expected to accelerate future airplane development, with a renewed emphasis on human factors, safety, and quality.
Southwest Airlines is the 737-7 launch customer. Boeing said both companies are preparing for delivery of the first airplane, with a team implementing updates to the aircraft’s final configuration.
The broader 737 MAX family order book stands at more than 7,200 airplanes, with more than 2,300 delivered through the end of June 2026. Boeing also said it is working to certify the 737-10, the largest member of the family, in 2026. The 737-10 seats 185 to 210 passengers with a range of up to 3,100 nautical miles.
Source: Boeing
Update (August 4, 2026 at 8:38 PM ET)
- The first 737 MAX 7 flew in March 2018.
- Boeing had at one point expected certification before the end of 2022.
- Southwest Airlines has approximately 258 MAX 7s on firm order.
- Allegiant Air has 24 MAX 7s on order.
- Luxair has 4 MAX 7s on order.
- Southwest will need approximately six months after certification to add the aircraft to its operating specifications, manuals, training programs, and maintenance procedures.
- The redesigned engine anti-ice system is also due to be introduced on newly produced MAX 8s and MAX 9s and retrofitted across the existing fleet.
