The United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has shifted the onus back onto Boeing for the delayed certification of the B737-7 and B737-10 variants, placing responsibility on the OEM to complete the work, Reuters reports.
FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford told reporters on January 22 that the FAA was not to blame and had devoted "significant resources" to helping Boeing certify the smaller B737-7 and larger B737-10, but stressed that Boeing must finish its own tasks. Certification delays have been caused by an engine deicing issue.
"We can only help get them there, but they have got to do the work, and they’re doing the work," Bedford said. "I don’t think FAA is the roadblock on -7 and the -10 certification," he said.
Bedford and his predecessor, Mike Whitaker, have called for reforms to the certification process. The FAA has several projects working with the industry "to see how they can streamline the process," Bedford said. "I won't prejudge the outcome."
Earlier this month, Reuters reported that the FAA had approved the B737-10 to enter the second phase of flight testing, a key step in the variant's long-delayed certification campaign. Boeing executives have said they expect both models to be certified this year.
According to ch-aviation data, Boeing has more than 1,425 orders for the B737-10. Alaska Airlines holds the biggest order of 168 units, followed by United Airlines with 164, Ryanair with 150, American Airlines with 115, WestJet with 107, and 100 each ordered by Delta Air Lines and Pegasus. Earlier this month, Alaska Airlines ordered another 105 B737-10s, with unfulfilled previous orders for 63.
The B737-10 will be assembled at Boeing’s Everett, Washington, plant on a new B737 line, as it is too long for the Renton plant. Boeing recently posted job listings for shift managers on the new line, with applications due by February 23.
FAA approval in October 2025 allowed Boeing to raise B737 MAX production to 42 aircraft per month, ending a 38-unit cap.
ch-aviation has asked Boeing for comment.
