US, Europe near approval of Boeing 737 MAX 7 and 10

• Both the FAA and EASA are making 'very good progress' toward approval, with the certification process in its final stages
• EASA Executive Director Florian Guillermet stated the MAX 10 is a top priority and expects to 'turn the page and move on' once certification is complete
• Approval of these variants would expand Boeing's 737 MAX family after the original MAX faced a lengthy grounding following two fatal crashes

Summary: US, Europe Near Approval of Boeing 737 MAX 7 and 10

Key Development:

U.S. and European aviation regulators are approaching final approval for two Boeing 737 MAX variants—the MAX 7 and MAX 10—according to statements made Wednesday, June 17, at a safety conference in Chantilly, Virginia.

Regulatory Progress:

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is in the final stages of certifying both aircraft models. EASA (European Union Aviation Safety Agency) Executive Director Florian Guillermet indicated the MAX 10 is a top priority for the European regulator. Guillermet stated the agency is making "very good progress on the final closure of the last actions" and expects to complete certification "in the upcoming period."

Market Implications:

The anticipated approvals represent a significant milestone for Boeing, allowing the company to expand its 737 MAX family and deliver aircraft to airlines that have been awaiting these variants. The certifications would help Boeing close the chapter on the prolonged MAX certification challenges and enable it to better compete in the narrowbody aircraft market.

Once approved, the MAX 7 (smaller variant) and MAX 10 (larger variant) will provide airlines with additional capacity options within the 737 MAX family, which has faced extensive scrutiny since the grounding of the entire fleet following two fatal crashes in 2018-2019.

Bottom Line:

Imminent regulatory approval from both the FAA and EASA could boost Boeing's commercial aircraft division and provide relief to airlines awaiting delivery of these models. The certifications would mark progress in restoring confidence in Boeing's product line and regulatory processes.