In a big step forward for the Boeing 737 MAX programme, the 737-7 variant (the smallest of the 737 MAX family), the US Federal Aviation Administration has granted Boeing an amended type certificate for the new 737-7 airplane, clearing it for commercial service.
The smallest and longest-range member of the 737 MAX family, the 737-7 model serves an important market segment by offering 135 to 160 seats (in a two-class configuration) and providing about 10% more range than its siblings, with a range of up to 3,800 nautical miles (7,040 km). The airplane is designed for exceptional performance for operators flying out of airports at high altitudes and hot climates.
Like other 737 MAX jets, the 737-7 reduces fuel use and CO2 emissions by 20% and noise footprint by 50% compared to the airplanes it typically replaces.
The regulatory approval caps a multi-year certification effort in which Boeing demonstrated through comprehensive testing and analysis that the airplane meets all commercial aviation regulations. The test program, which began in 2018, included:
- More than 1,000 hours of flight and ground testing
- Extensive system safety analysis and human factors reviews
- An updated engine anti-ice system to address a potential condition that was discovered during flight testing
Before granting approval, the FAA required the MAX-7 to incorporate key improvements that address requirements in the Aircraft Certification, Safety, and Accountability Act and NTSB recommendations, including updates to the flight-control software, flightcrew alerting system, and a redesigned engine anti-ice system.
These changes provide pilots with clearer information and warnings and prevent the engine inlet from overheating and potentially weakening the surrounding structure.
In Quotes
Stephanie Pope, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Aeroplanes, said:
“This important certification validates the rigor of our airplane’s design and recognizes the determination and resilience of our 737 MAX development team,”
They added:
“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.”
Mike Sinnett, senior vice president of Product Strategy, Product Development and Development Programs, added:
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.”
Moving to the launch customer
Boeing and Southwest Airlines, the 737-7 launch customer, are preparing for delivery of the first airplane.
A team is readying the first aircraft, including implementing updates to their final configurations.
Currently, no first handover date has been disclosed.
For carriers – namely, Southwest, as well as some business jet customers- it seems their patience will finally pay off waiting for the smaller variant of the Boeing 737 MAX family.
We’ll have to see if that patience was justified.
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