Boeing 737-7 gains FAA certification approval

• The FAA granted Boeing’s 737-7 an amended type certificate, clearing the aircraft for commercial service.
• Boeing shares were up 6.84% at $230.92 during Monday trading.
• Boeing and launch customer Southwest Airlines are preparing the first 737-7 aircraft for delivery.

Boeing (NYSE:BA) received FAA certification for the 737-7, clearing the smallest 737 MAX variant for commercial service.

The approval follows a certification process that began in 2018 and arrived years later than Boeing’s original schedule.

Testing exceeded 1,000 hours and included safety reviews, human-factors assessments and an updated engine anti-ice system.

Following the announcement, Boeing's share price was up 6.84% at $230.92.

Boeing said Southwest is preparing for initial deliveries, while the 737 MAX order book exceeds 7,200 aircraft.

The 737-7 seats 135–160 passengers, flies 3,800 nautical miles and delivers Boeing-claimed fuel, emissions and noise reductions.