The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has certified the Boeing 737-10, the largest variant of the 737 MAX family, allowing the aircraft manufacturer to begin deliveries in the coming months.
The approval covers an amended type certificate for the aircraft. The certification programme included nearly 1,000 test flights, more than 2,000 flight hours and 1,000 hours of ground testing, alongside safety assessments, design reviews and extensive documentation.
The 737-10 is designed to accommodate between 185 and 210 passengers in a typical two-class configuration, with a maximum seating capacity of 230. It has a stated range of up to 3,100 nautical miles (5,740 kilometres).
The aircraft offers a 20% reduction in fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions compared with previous aircraft. The manufacturer also cites lower per-seat operating costs and increased capacity as benefits for airlines operating short- and medium-haul routes.
The 737-10 also introduces an enhanced angle-of-attack system, which Boeing says will become standard across the 737 MAX family.
The aircraft is the first commercial aeroplane to be certified to the full extent of the 2020 Aircraft Certification, Safety, and Accountability Act (ACSAA). The legislation introduced requirements for more extensive documentation of safety assessments and human factors evaluations.
Boeing Commercial Airplanes president and CEO Stephanie Pope said:Completing the certification program clears the path for us 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. We are also delighted to complete the 737 MAX family and provide our customers the most-efficient and flexible single-aisle airplane portfolio in the industry.
The FAA approval follows a certification programme involving extensive engagement between Boeing and the regulator, including formal meetings and the submission of tens of thousands of pages of documentation.
Boeing reports that more than 30 customers have ordered the 737-10, with total orders reaching 1,555 aircraft. The model accounts for more than 30% of the 737 MAX programme’s current order book. Across the entire 737 MAX family, customers have placed 7,350 orders. Boeing had delivered nearly 2,500 aircraft by the end of September 2026.
The 737-10 completes the planned 737 MAX family, which also includes the 737-7, 737-8, 737-8-200 and 737-9. The aircraft are designed for different passenger capacities and route requirements.
With certification complete, Boeing can move towards the first 737-10 deliveries, which are expected to begin in the coming months.
