EVERETT, WA — The Federal Aviation Administration issued certification for the Boeing 737 MAX-10 on October 20, 2026, clearing the aircraft for commercial service. The agency issued an amended type certificate confirming the aircraft complies with all applicable design and safety requirements, along with an updated Production Limitation Record authorizing aircraft production.

The 737-10 is the first commercial airplane to be certified to the full extent of the 2020 Aircraft Certification, Safety, and Accountability Act. The FAA required the MAX-10 to incorporate key improvements addressing requirements in the act and National Transportation Safety Board recommendations, including updates to the flight-control system with an enhanced angle of attack sensor.

"After extensive safety reviews – including thousands of hours of test flights – the team at the FAA is ready to approve this critical aircraft for sale," U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy said. "This is a major win for American manufacturing and our nation’s status as a global aviation powerhouse."

Duffy added that the United States invented flight, pioneered air travel, and would continue leading the way in aviation safety and innovation. FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford said the agency's decision follows a thorough review of the aircraft’s design and safety requirements.

"We will continue to hold Boeing to the highest safety standards as the company begins production of the 737 MAX-10," Bedford said. The certification program included nearly 1,000 total test flights, with Boeing completing more than 2,000 total flight hours and 1,000 ground test hours.

Stephanie Pope, President and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, said completing the certification program clears the path for the company to deliver a Boeing airplane that will set a new standard in commercial aviation. "The 737-10 offers greater capacity, longer range and the best seat economics in its class, a platform that will create more value and opportunities for airlines around the world," she said.

Pope added that Boeing is delighted to complete the 737 MAX family and provide customers the most-efficient and flexible single-aisle airplane portfolio in the industry. The 737-10 has a maximum seating capacity of 230 passengers and typically accommodates between 185 and 210 passengers in a two-class configuration, with a range of up to 3,100 nautical miles (5,740 km).

Technological advancements in the 737-10 result in a 20 percent reduction in CO2 emission and fuel use. More than 30 customers have purchased the 737-10 model, with orders totaling 1,555 airplanes, representing more than 30 percent of the 737 MAX program's current order book.

Customers have placed 7,350 orders for 737 MAX airplanes, and nearly 2,500 737 MAX airplanes have been delivered through the end of September 2026. The Transportation Department published a rule titled "Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes" on Monday. Primary source: federalregister.gov