FAA Certifies Boeing 737-7 for Commercial Service with Southwest Airlines as Launch Customer

Global – Boeing has received an amended type certificate from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for the Boeing 737-7 aircraft on 3 August 2026, clearing the smallest and longest-range member of the 737 MAX family for commercial service, with Southwest Airlines confirmed as the launch customer. 

• The Boeing 737-7 is the smallest and longest-range member of the 737 MAX family, offering 135 to 160 seats in two-class configuration with a range of up to 3,800 nautical miles (7,040 km), approximately 10% more range than other MAX variants.
• The 737-7 reduces fuel use and CO2 emissions by 20% and noise footprint by 50% compared to the aircraft it typically replaces.
• The multi-year certification program began in 2018 and included over 1,000 hours of flight and ground testing, extensive system safety analysis, human factors reviews, and an updated engine anti-ice system to address a condition discovered during flight testing.
• The Boeing 737 MAX family order book stands at more than 7,200 aircraft, of which more than 2,300 have been delivered through end of June 2026.
• The 737-10 remains the last MAX variant awaiting FAA certification, targeted for 2026.
• Full 737 MAX family capacity/range: 737-8 (160-180 passengers, 3,500 nm), 737-9 (175-195 passengers, 3,300 nm), 737-10 (185-210 passengers, 3,100 nm), 737-7 (135-160 passengers, 3,800 nm).

Statements

• "This important certification validates the rigor of our airplane's design and recognizes the determination and resilience of our 737 MAX development team. 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," said Stephanie Pope, President and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes.
• "Our Boeing team held regular and detailed discussions with the FAA to ensure Boeing understood the requirements and provided transparency of our progress. 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," said Mike Sinnett, Senior Vice President of Product Strategy, Product Development and Development Programs at Boeing.

Source: Boeing