The key facts

  • The FAA has approved the Boeing 737 MAX-10 for operation — the largest modification in the 737 family.
  • The model underwent thousands of test flights; the FAA will continue monitoring compliance with standards.
  • The MAX-10's release was delayed due to two crashes of 737-series aircraft; in August the FAA inspected hundreds of 737 MAX jets over structural cracks.

MAX-10 Certification

The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has approved for operation the largest modification of the Boeing 737 aircraft — the MAX-10 model. The announcement was published on the agency's website. According to the FAA, the modified model underwent lengthy checks, including thousands of test flights. 'The FAA team is ready to approve this critically important aircraft for sale,' the statement said.

The Regulator's Position

FAA head Bryan Bedford emphasized that the agency will continue to monitor Boeing's compliance with safety standards.

Delays and Context

The Boeing 737 is the company's best-selling model, and the MAX-10 became the largest in the family. Boeing had planned to release this modification several years ago, but two crashes of 737-series aircraft led to delays and forced the company to revise its safety standards.

2026 Inspections

In August of this year, the FAA initiated an inspection of hundreds of Boeing 737 MAX aircraft after cracks were discovered in structural elements of older models: some aircraft were found to have cracks in a special fitting that reinforces the areas around door openings and emergency exits. Earlier, Boeing also identified a malfunction in 737 MAX aircraft.