Boeing’s Longest-Delayed Jet Finally Gets Its Green Light

The Federal Aviation Administration certified the Boeing 737-10, the largest member of the 737 MAX family, on October 20, issuing an amended type certificate. Boeing says deliveries will begin in the coming months. The jet typically seats 185 to 210 passengers in two classes, or up to 230 in a high-density layout, with a range of up to 3,100 nautical miles.

The plane was launched in 2017 and first flew in June 2021, and its path to approval was long. A 2022 crew-alerting rule deadline had to be waived by Congress, on condition that Boeing retrofit existing MAX jets. An engine anti-ice problem disclosed in August 2023 required a redesign that was finished in November 2025, and the January 2024 Alaska Airlines door plug blowout led the FAA to cap 737 production for months.

One more hurdle came in late September 2026, when a navigation software glitch briefly held up the approval. A review board later concluded it was not a safety concern. Customers waiting on the type include United, Delta, American, Alaska and Ryanair, and AirlineGeeks names WestJet as the launch customer. Ryanair holds 150 firm orders plus 150 options and still expects its first 15 MAX 10s in spring 2027.

For passengers the change will be gradual. Carriers use larger narrowbodies to add seats on busy routes without adding flights, and the MAX 10 is aimed at exactly that job. But with deliveries only beginning, it will be a while before most travelers step aboard one.

Sources: AeroCorner, Boeing