Boeing has secured approval for the largest aircraft in the 737 Max family. Why is this important?

Boeing has received approval from the U.S. aviation regulator to operate the long-awaited 737 Max 10. After several years of delays due to enhanced safety inspections and the need for design revisions, the largest model in the company’s family of narrow-body aircraft is entering the market.

On October 20, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a certificate for the 737 Max 10, bringing the protracted approval process to a close. The aircraft was originally scheduled to enter service in 2020, but approval was delayed following two crashes involving Max-series aircraft in 2018 and 2019 and the identification of safety issues, CNBC reports. Boeing also had to modify a number of systems, including the engines’ anti-icing protection.

In early October, the regulator investigated a software error in the Max 10’s navigation system and concluded that it did not pose a threat to flight safety. “The FAA’s decision was made following a thorough review of the aircraft’s design and compliance with safety requirements,” said agency head Brian Bedford in a press release. He added that the regulator will continue to hold the aircraft manufacturer to the highest standards.

Boeing shares rose 0.3% in after-hours trading on October 20. Since the beginning of this year, they have fallen by more than 12%.

The 737 Max is the latest generation of Boeing's best-selling passenger aircraft. The Max 10 model offers greater capacity, extended range, and the lowest cost per passenger seat in its class.

According to Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg, as reported by CNBC, orders for this model currently account for about 30% of the company’s order book. Among the aircraft’s buyers are Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, United Airlines, and Delta. Boeing previously reported that it had received more than 1,500 orders for the model.

The Max 10 is one of Boeing’s most important aircraft, offering airlines a replacement for the discontinued 757, according to Bloomberg. Along with other models in the family, the largest version is intended to help the company strengthen its financial position and reduce debt after several challenging years. At the same time, customers pay the bulk of the aircraft’s cost upon delivery, as CNBC points out.

Once the Max 10 is certified, airlines will be able to begin carrying passengers on the new aircraft; however, it could take months to incorporate the planes into their schedules, the TV channel notes. The prolonged wait has already affected carriers’ plans: United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby told CNBC in August that the fully reclining seats intended for the Max 10 are no longer suitable for the company and remain in storage. In September, Alaska Airlines announced that it plans to install such seats on some aircraft of this model, expanding its premium service offerings.

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