Boeing has received Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approval to begin delivering the 737 Max 7, the smallest variant of its 737 Max series. The certification marks a key milestone for the aerospace company, which has faced multiple setbacks related to safety and manufacturing quality over recent years.

The FAA’s clearance on Monday follows an extended review process, during which the agency identified and addressed complex technical issues related to the aircraft’s design and safety systems. The 737 Max family faced a grounding that lasted nearly 20 months after two fatal crashes in 2018 and 2019 resulted in the deaths of 346 people. The grounding halted all Max deliveries until Boeing made significant software and hardware modifications.

More recently, concerns over Boeing’s quality control resurfaced after a panel became detached from a Max airplane in flight earlier this year, further delaying efforts to resume full production and delivery. For the Max 7’s approval, Boeing made updates to several critical systems, including flight control software, the pilot alert system, and an engine anti-icing mechanism designed to prevent overheating.

Stephanie Pope, chief executive of Boeing’s commercial airplane division, described the certification as validation of the company’s design rigor and the perseverance of its development team. Boeing’s testing program for the Max 7 began in 2018 and involved over 1,000 hours of tests, highlighting the extensive work behind the certification.

Boeing is preparing to deliver the first 737 Max 7 aircraft to Southwest Airlines. The Max 7 typically accommodates between 135 and 160 passengers, compared with 180 seats on the popular Max 8 and up to 195 on the Max 9. Meanwhile, certification of the larger Max 10 model, capable of seating around 210 passengers, has been delayed, although Boeing reported significant recent progress on that front. The company’s larger 777-9 aircraft remains behind schedule as well.

The Max 7 certification comes amid a broader company turnaround, which includes a new chief executive, revamped manufacturing processes, expanded quality control, and enhanced employee training aimed at reducing production defects. The FAA has indicated it will continue monitoring operations at Boeing’s factories to ensure compliance with safety standards as deliveries resume.