The Federal Aviation Administration cleared the Boeing 737 Max 10 for passenger service on Tuesday, concluding a certification process that spanned nearly a decade. The approval marks a milestone in Boeing's effort to rebuild its reputation and financial stability following safety concerns, quality issues and production setbacks. With certification granted, the aircraft can now be sold to airlines in the United States and abroad. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy described the certification as the result of "extensive safety reviews," including thousands of test flight hours, and called it a "major win for American manufacturing."

Boeing Commercial Airplanes chief executive Stephanie Pope said during a plant visit in Everett, Washington, that the certification "clears the path to deliver an aeroplane that will set a new standard in commercial aviation." The Max 10 typically seats 185 to 210 passengers, surpassing the 175 to 195 capacity of the Max 9 and the 160 to 180 capacity of the Max 8. Pope described the achievement as the culmination of "years of hard work and dedication" and said it "marks another major milestone in our recovery" and "unlocks a key to our future growth." Deliveries are expected to begin in 2027.

The Max 10 was first unveiled at the Paris Air Show in 2017 as Boeing's response to Airbus's A321neo family. Certification delays stemmed from technical and regulatory hurdles, including the grounding of the smaller 737 Max 8 after two fatal crashes in 2018 and 2019 that claimed 346 lives. A further incident in 2024, when a panel detached from an Alaska Airlines Max 9 mid-flight, intensified scrutiny of Boeing's manufacturing and safety practices.

More than 30 airlines have ordered 1,555 Max 10 aircraft, representing over 30% of Boeing's total 737 Max backlog. Major customers include United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, American Airlines and Ryanair. Alaska Airlines placed an order for 105 Max 10s in January, with options for 35 additional planes. The aircraft is designed to carry more passengers while consuming less fuel than older models, a feature that could help airlines manage rising jet fuel costs.

Certification by the FAA indicates that the Max 10's design meets safety standards after engineering reviews and flight testing. However, Boeing must continue to demonstrate consistent production quality and obtain individual airworthiness certificates for each aircraft before they can carry passengers. The Max 10's certification completes the lineup of four 737 Max variants, with the FAA having previously cleared the Max 7 earlier in the year.

The certification process has evolved since the FAA overhauled its oversight of Boeing following the Max 8 crashes. Over the past 18 months, the agency has gradually lifted some restrictions, allowing Boeing to increase production rates and regain authority over final aircraft inspections. The Max 10's approval reflects both the progress Boeing has made and the ongoing challenges it faces in restoring confidence among regulators, airlines and the public.