The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is approaching approval of the Boeing 737 MAX 10, with a final decision expected as early as next week, according to sources familiar with the matter. This development follows the completion of a critical safety review by the FAA’s Type Certification Board, a panel composed of agency management officials responsible for reviewing aircraft certifications.

The 737 MAX 10 is the largest model in Boeing's best-selling MAX series. Its anticipated certification represents a significant milestone for the U.S. manufacturer, which views the aircraft as a key contributor to future revenue and cash flow.

Boeing’s certification process for the MAX series has been subject to increased scrutiny since two fatal crashes involving the MAX 8 variant in 2018 and 2019 led to a worldwide grounding of the aircraft. In addition to these incidents, the company has faced heightened regulatory attention following a January 2024 event in which a midair cabin panel detached on an Alaska Airlines MAX 9, raising concerns about production quality and safety oversight.

The FAA’s upcoming approval will clear the way for Boeing to begin delivering the MAX 10 to airline customers, further expanding its MAX family lineup. However, the extended certification timeline underscores the rigorous safety and quality checks instituted to restore confidence in the MAX series following past setbacks.