Boeing recently received certification from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for the company’s 737-7 airplane, meaning it is now approved for commercial service.

Boeing has been pursuing this certification since 2018, undergoing analysis and testing to ensure the 737-7 meets commercial aviation regulations.

The testing program involved:

• 1,000+ hours of ground and flight testing
• System safety analysis
• Human factors reviews

During the testing period, Boeing also updated the engine’s anti-ice system in efforts to correct an issue found during earlier flight tests.

The FAA also updated Boeing Production Certificate No. 700 (PC 700) to include the 737-7. 

The Boeing 737-7 is part of the 737 MAX family of aircraft, though it has the longest range an smallest build of the group.

Key features of the Boeing 737-7 include:

• 10% more range than other 737 MAX aircraft at 3,800 nautical miles
• 20% less CO2 emissions and fuel use
• 135-160 seats (two-class configuration)
• 50% quieter noise footprint than similar aircraft

To ensure optimal commercial performance, the 737-7 is also designed to maintain high performance in hot climates and high altitudes.

Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Stephanie Pope said, "This important certification validates the rigor of our airplane's design and recognizes the determination and resilience of our 737 MAX development team."

Pope continued, "Our team of dedicated engineers and test experts worked through challenges, an extended pandemic, and the transition to new certification processes.”

"Through it all, our team stayed focused on completing all requirements and delivering a safe and more capable airplane to our customers,” added Pope. 

Our Boeing team held regular and detailed discussions with the FAA to ensure Boeing understood the requirements and provided transparency of our progress," said Mike Sinnett, senior vice president of Product Strategy, Product Development and Development Programs. 

Sinnett noted, "With this certification program, Boeing has developed a clearer understanding of the latest regulatory requirements, which is expected to accelerate future airplane development with a renewed emphasis on human factors, safety and quality."