The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has cleared Boeing to resume certifying all of its 737 Max and 787 aircraft starting next week, following a detailed safety review that concluded the company’s inspection procedures now meet the required standards.

The decision marks another step in restoring Boeing’s certification responsibilities after years of increased federal oversight triggered by safety concerns involving its commercial aircraft.

Over the past several months, Boeing and FAA inspectors have jointly carried out final safety inspections before aircraft deliveries. During this period, both sides alternated weekly in conducting the mandatory airworthiness checks required before planes could be handed over to customers.

According to the FAA, the review showed that Boeing’s inspectors consistently reached the same conclusions as federal officials when assessing aircraft readiness, giving regulators confidence in the company’s certification process.

FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford said safety remains the agency’s highest priority and that Boeing has demonstrated sufficient improvements to resume certifying its aircraft. He added that federal inspectors will continue monitoring Boeing’s manufacturing facilities while focusing more closely on identifying potential production issues earlier in the assembly process.

The FAA assumed direct responsibility for approving 737 Max aircraft in 2019 after two fatal crashes linked to a flight-control software system. Later, in 2022, the agency also suspended Boeing’s authority to self-certify 787 Dreamliners because of manufacturing quality concerns.

Since then, Boeing has worked under enhanced regulatory oversight while implementing changes aimed at strengthening production quality and safety standards.

The FAA has also gradually relaxed production restrictions imposed after the January 2024 Alaska Airlines incident, in which a panel detached from a 737 Max aircraft during flight. Monthly production limits have steadily increased, rising from 38 aircraft to 47 as regulators gained greater confidence in Boeing’s manufacturing improvements.

With the latest decision, Boeing will once again certify all 737 Max and 787 aircraft before delivery, while remaining subject to ongoing FAA oversight and inspections.

Image Title: FAA Clears Boeing to Resume 737 Max and 787 Aircraft Certification

FAQs

1. What decision has the FAA made regarding Boeing?
The FAA has allowed Boeing to resume certifying all 737 Max and 787 aircraft after completing a safety review.

2. When will Boeing begin certifying its aircraft again?
Boeing will resume certification responsibilities from next week under continued FAA oversight.

3. Why did the FAA restrict Boeing’s certification authority?
The restrictions followed safety concerns related to the 737 Max crashes and manufacturing quality issues involving the 787 Dreamliner.

4. Will the FAA continue monitoring Boeing?
Yes. Federal inspectors will continue overseeing Boeing’s factories and production processes despite restoring certification authority.

5. What are airworthiness certificates?
They confirm that an aircraft meets all required safety standards and is approved for delivery and operation.

6. What happened with the 737 Max in 2019?
The FAA took over certification responsibilities after two fatal crashes involving the aircraft led to increased regulatory scrutiny.

7. Why was Boeing’s 787 certification authority suspended in 2022?
The FAA cited production and manufacturing quality concerns involving the Dreamliner programme.

8. Has Boeing’s production capacity changed?
Yes. The FAA has gradually increased Boeing’s monthly 737 Max production limit as confidence in the company’s safety and manufacturing standards has improved.