The certification process for the Boeing 737 MAX 10 is making progress after years of delays, yet its entry into commercial service remains uncertain. Initially launched in 2017, the MAX 10 was anticipated to be a key player in high-density routes, but it has faced numerous setbacks that have pushed its expected launch back repeatedly.
The most significant recent development is the completion of a crucial fix for the aircraft’s anti-ice engine system, an issue that has hindered both the MAX 7 and MAX 10 certifications. Boeing has also submitted a revised crew alerting system for review by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), reflecting the company’s commitment to addressing safety concerns following the tragic crashes of the MAX 8 in late 2018 and early 2019, which resulted in the loss of 346 lives.
FAA Reviews New Crew Alerting System
The FAA has begun its formal evaluation of Boeing’s updated crew alerting system, a necessary step under new Congressional requirements that followed the MAX 8 incidents. The proposed system includes a synthetic-enhanced angle-of-attack (AoA) reference and features that allow pilots to disable stall warnings and overspeed alerts in specific conditions.
Once approved, Boeing will have three years to retrofit existing 737 MAX aircraft with this new system. The addition of a third AoA reference aims to mitigate risks associated with faulty sensor data, which played a role in the crashes. The previous reliance on a single AoA indicator led to situations where pilots were unaware of critical system activations due to insufficient alerts and training.
Boeing’s efforts to enhance safety measures have been met with cautious optimism, though the timeline for certification remains unclear. Officials have refrained from committing to a specific date, but industry experts suggest that the MAX 10’s certification could be pushed into 2026 or even 2027.
Milestones in Certification Journey
Alongside the crew alerting system advancements, the completion of the anti-ice engine system fix marks a pivotal achievement in the certification journey. Previously, prolonged operation of the anti-ice system risked damaging the engine nacelle, which is constructed from composite materials susceptible to thermal damage. This redesign was essential for securing FAA approval, and Boeing is currently collaborating with the agency to finalize the certification plan.
Boeing has already commenced limited production of the MAX 10, with a total of 16 units produced thus far, including two test aircraft. As the company prepares for certification, it must navigate the ongoing challenges of production planning without a definitive certification date.
The delays have not only affected the MAX 10 but also the 737 MAX 7 and the 777X, with all three aircraft types awaiting certification. The uncertainty surrounding delivery timelines has prompted airlines like United and Delta to adjust their expectations, with United even requesting a pause on production.
The 737 MAX 10 has garnered significant interest from airlines due to its capacity and efficiency. With seating arrangements accommodating between 188 to 230 passengers, it is positioned to replace older models on high-density routes. Notable customers include United Airlines, which had ambitious plans to incorporate lie-flat seating in its MAX 10s, and Ryanair, which has placed an order for 300 units.
Despite these challenges, there is a glimmer of hope for the MAX 7, with Southwest Airlines’ CEO Bob Jordan expressing optimism for its certification by August 2026. This potential milestone could pave the way for a more favorable outlook for the MAX 10, signaling progress under the revised certification guidelines.
As Boeing continues its efforts to navigate the complex certification landscape, the aviation industry remains watchful, aware that successful certification will not only impact Boeing’s reputation but also the operational capabilities of airlines worldwide.
