Regulations & Safety
FAA Clarifies Role in Boeing 737 MAX 7 and 10 Certification Delays
FAA Administrator states certification delays for Boeing 737 MAX 7 and 10 depend on Boeing’s work, not FAA roadblocks, with certification targeted for 2026.
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Administrator Bryan Bedford has explicitly rejected the narrative that regulatory hurdles are the primary cause of delays for Boeing’s remaining 737 MAX variants. Speaking to reporters in Washington, D.C. on January 21, 2026, Bedford emphasized that the pace of certification for the MAX 7 and MAX 10 lies squarely with the manufacturer.
According to reporting by Reuters, the Administrator clarified that while the agency is heavily involved in the process, the timeline depends on Boeing completing the necessary engineering and safety documentation. The comments come as Boeing targets a 2026 certification window for both aircraft, following years of setbacks involving anti-icing systems and broader quality control reforms.
During the press briefing, Bedford addressed the ongoing delays that have kept the smallest and largest variants of the MAX family grounded. He pushed back against the idea that the FAA is holding up the process unnecessarily.
“I don’t think FAA is the roadblock on 7 and the -10 certification. We can only help get them there, but they have got to do the work, and they’re doing the work.”
, FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford, via Reuters Reuters reports that Bedford noted the agency has “devoted significant resources” to the certification campaigns. However, under the stricter regulatory regime adopted following the 2024 door-plug incident and earlier crashes, the FAA has moved away from delegating authority. Instead, the agency now requires direct inspection and verification of systems, placing the onus on Boeing to demonstrate full compliance before approvals are granted.
Despite the stern words regarding responsibility, progress is being made on the technical front. Industry information indicates that Boeing executives are still expecting to finalize certification for both jets within the current calendar year.
According to recent data compiled in industry research reports, the MAX 10 has advanced into a critical stage known as Type Inspection Authorization (TIA). This phase marks the entry of FAA pilots and engineers into the flight test program to verify systems directly. Meanwhile, the MAX 7 remains uncertified, pending the resolution of documentation and design reviews that overlap with the MAX 10 requirements. Beyond certification, Boeing is slowly ramping up its industrial output. Following the strict production cap imposed after the January 2024 Alaska Airlines incident, the FAA allowed Boeing to increase its monthly output. As of October 2025, the cap was raised to 42 jets per month.
Additionally, reporting by aviation intelligence outlet Leeham News indicates that Boeing is preparing to activate a new assembly line, dubbed the “North Line”, at its facility in Everett, Washington. While this line is eventually intended to support the high-demand MAX 10, it is expected to go live in mid-2026 building certified MAX 8 and MAX 9 models. This strategy aims to stabilize operations and train workforce teams before the MAX 10 enters full-rate production.
The Stakes of the 2026 Timeline
Administrator Bedford’s comments highlight a critical shift in the FAA-Boeing dynamic. By publicly stating that the FAA is not the “roadblock,” the agency is effectively insulating itself from blame should further delays occur. This places immense pressure on Boeing’s engineering teams to deliver flawless documentation.
For Boeing, the stakes of a 2026 certification are incredibly high. The MAX 10 is the company’s only direct competitor to the Airbus A321neo, which currently dominates the large narrowbody market. With a backlog of over 1,200 orders for the MAX 10 alone, further slips in the timeline could force major customers like United Airlines and Delta to reconsider their fleet strategies. The activation of the Everett North Line suggests Boeing is confident enough to invest in capacity, but that investment will only pay off if the FAA is satisfied with the safety data.
When will the Boeing 737 MAX 10 be certified? What is the “North Line”? Why was the MAX 7 and 10 certification delayed?
FAA Administrator Denies Agency is “Roadblock” to Boeing MAX 7 and 10 Certification
Clarifying the Regulatory Role
Certification and Production Status Updates
Flight Testing Milestones
Production Rate Increases
AirPro News Analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
Boeing executives and industry forecasts currently target certification within 2026. The aircraft recently entered the Type Inspection Authorization (TIA) phase, a critical step toward final approval.
The North Line is a new 737 assembly line located in Everett, Washington. It is expected to activate in mid-2026 to help Boeing meet its production targets, initially building MAX 8 and 9 aircraft before transitioning to the MAX 10.
Delays were caused by a combination of factors, including a redesign of the engine anti-ice system to prevent potential overheating, and a stricter FAA certification process implemented after the 2024 door-plug blowout incident.Sources
Photo Credit: Boeing – Montage