Boeing 737 MAX 7 and MAX 10 Certification 2026: Where Things Stand with FAA and EASA Approval

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) are both in the final stages of certifying the Boeing 737 MAX 7 and MAX 10, with approvals expected by the end of 2026 . Certification has been delayed roughly six to seven years beyond original projections, primarily because of a lingering flaw in the engine anti-ice system . Here is the detailed status on regulatory progress, the safety issue at the heart of the delays, and what airlines like Southwest and Alaska can expect for deliveries.

Regulatory Status: FAA and EASA Final Stages

FAA (U.S.) — The FAA is wrapping up certification for both variants. Deputy Administrator Chris Rocheleau stated on June 17, 2026, that the agency is "in the final stages" of the process . FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford confirmed in April 2026 that no issues had been identified that would push certification beyond 2026 . A major milestone was achieved when the MAX 10 entered Phase 2 (Type Inspection Authorization Phase 2) certification flight testing in January 2026 .

EASA (Europe) — Europe's regulator is also moving forward. On June 17, 2026, both EASA and the FAA reported making "good progress" toward approving the two new variants . EASA has completed its own test flights and is working in parallel with the FAA . EASA Executive Director Florian Guillermet said the MAX 10 is a top priority for the agency .

Expected timeline: Both regulators currently expect certification by the end of 2026, with the MAX 7 potentially certified in the first half of the year and the MAX 10 by year-end .

Key Safety Issue: The Engine Anti-Ice System

The primary technical problem delaying both aircraft is a flaw in the engine anti-ice (EAI) system on the CFM International LEAP-1B engines:

• When activated in dry-air conditions, the anti-ice system can overheat the engine inlet cowl, potentially causing structural damage or engine failure .
• Boeing initially sought a safety exemption from the FAA for the MAX 7 but withdrew that request in January 2024 and committed to a permanent design fix .
• The company's initial proposed redesign triggered a separate safety concern, forcing engineers back to the drawing board . Boeing spent much of 2025 still "finalizing" the redesign options .
• Additional certification delays also involve cockpit alerting system requirements .

These issues pushed certification from an original target of 2019–2020 for the MAX 7 out to 2026 — roughly six to seven years behind schedule .

Orders and Delivery Expectations

Southwest Airlines (MAX 7 — launch customer)

Southwest remains the largest customer for the MAX 7, with 269 firm orders on its books . The airline was named launch customer in 2013 and originally expected its first delivery in 2019 . In its 2025 annual report (published February 2026), Southwest said it expects zero MAX 7 deliveries in 2026, estimating it will receive only 66 MAX 8 aircraft during the year . The airline now expects its first MAX 7 deliveries later in 2026, with commercial service beginning in 2027 . Officials say they are "optimistic" the first unit will arrive by the end of 2026 .

Alaska Airlines (MAX 10)

Alaska Airlines is a key customer for the MAX 10, alongside United and Delta . The available evidence from the search results does not include a specific firm order count for Alaska Airlines. Deliveries are expected to begin after certification, likely in the 2027 timeframe given the year-end 2026 certification target.

Virgin Australia

No specific information on Virgin Australia's MAX 7 or MAX 10 orders or delivery expectations was available from the sources used in this analysis. Checking investor filings or Boeing's orders & deliveries page is recommended for precise data.

Conclusion

Both the FAA and EASA are nearing the finish line for the 737 MAX 7 and MAX 10, with certification targeted for the end of 2026. The engine anti-ice redesign remains the last major technical hurdle, and Southwest — the biggest customer for the MAX 7 — is planning for deliveries to begin later this year but for revenue service to start in 2027. For airlines and travelers, the long wait for the final members of the MAX family is nearly over, though the final timeline depends on Boeing completing its redesign work to regulators' satisfaction.