Boeing continues to work towards certifying its two remaining 737 MAX variants, the 737-7 and 737-10. However, frustrations continue to grow.
Per Reuters, certification for the smallest member of the series is taking longer than expected following documentation requirements labelled as new.
Thanks to the requested documents, Boeing’s likelihood of sticking with its initial certification targets is bleak. However, the plane-maker is sure the series will be certified by the end of the year.
For the 737-10, well certification will come in 2024 at the earliest now. It’s been a long process with multiple questions about whether these two remaining variants ever be officially approved.
Certification on aircraft has only become tighter, especially on the 737 MAX, following the events of ET302 and JT610 occurring in 2019 and 2018, respectively, which led to the worldwide grounding of the entire 737 MAX series.
While the wider series has enjoyed success since its return with consistent orders and interest in the plane at airlines, the two remaining variants yet to fly that is also set to play a pivotal role in many airlines’ fleets remain a sticking point.
Boeing will now seek to complete the required documentation and plough full steam ahead with the final areas needed to certify the -7 so it can enter service with customers patiently awaiting the plane for some time.
