FAA certifies Boeing's 737 MAX 10 after years of delays; deliveries to start soon
The largest 737 can carry up to 230 passengers and makes up about a third of Boeing's backlog, with more than 1,500 orders from over 30 airlines. WestJet is the launch customer.
At a glance
- The US Federal Aviation Administration certified the Boeing 737 MAX 10 on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, completing the MAX family after the MAX 7 was certified earlier this year.
- The MAX 10 seats up to 230 passengers (185–210 in typical layouts) with a range of about 3,100 nautical miles (5,740km).
- Boeing has more than 1,500 orders for the MAX 10 — about a third of its backlog — from more than 30 airlines; WestJet is the launch customer.
- The FAA said it will hold Boeing to the 'highest safety standards'; first deliveries are expected in the coming months.
Boeing has finally won approval for the biggest version of its best-selling jet. The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certified the 737 MAX 10 on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, after years of delays, and authorised Boeing to begin production for customers.
The aircraft at a glance
| 737 MAX 10 | |
|---|---|
| Maximum seats | 230 |
| Typical seating | 185–210 passengers |
| Range | About 3,100 nautical miles (5,740km) |
| Orders | More than 1,500 from 30+ airlines |
| Share of Boeing's backlog | About one-third |
| Launch customer | WestJet (Canada) |
| Main rival | Airbus A321neo |
With certification of the MAX 10, the whole 737 MAX family is now approved; the smaller MAX 7 was certified earlier this year.
A long road
Certification of the MAX 7 and MAX 10 was held up for years after the two fatal 737 MAX crashes in 2018 and 2019, which led to a worldwide grounding, tougher FAA oversight and new safety requirements. Approval seemed close last month, but the FAA raised concerns about a flight-management software problem; it went ahead after deciding a remaining known bug is not safety-critical.
The MAX 10 includes an enhanced angle-of-attack system, adding extra protection around the sensors involved in the crashes. Boeing says it will fit the system on all new MAX jets and retrofit aircraft already in service.
What they said
- FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford: "We will continue to hold Boeing to the highest safety standards as the company begins production of the 737 MAX 10."
- Stephanie Pope, head of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, said the jet "offers greater capacity, longer range and the best seat economics in its class".
Why it matters
- For Boeing: the MAX 10 is crucial to winning back market share from Airbus, whose larger A321neo has dominated this segment. Deliveries also bring in cash for a company still recovering from years of crises.
- For airlines: carriers around the world have waited years for the jet, forcing them to fly older planes longer or change plans.
- For passengers: more seats per flight can help keep fares lower on busy routes — though some airlines will pack in more seats.
The 737 MAX family
| Model | Typical seats | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 737 MAX 7 | 138–153 | Certified earlier in 2026 |
| 737 MAX 8 | 162–178 | In service since 2017 |
| 737 MAX 9 | 178–193 | In service since 2018 |
| 737 MAX 10 | 185–210 (up to 230) | Certified October 20, 2026 |
What happens next
Boeing says deliveries will start in the coming months, with most production on its North Line in Everett, Washington. Regulators outside the US, including Europe's aviation safety agency, must also approve the jet before airlines in their regions can fly it.
Questions people are asking
Is the Boeing 737 MAX 10 certified?
Yes. The FAA certified the 737 MAX 10 on October 20, 2026, and approved Boeing to produce it. First deliveries are expected in the coming months.
How many passengers does the 737 MAX 10 carry?
Up to 230 in a maximum-density layout, and typically 185 to 210, making it the largest member of the 737 family.
Which airlines have ordered the 737 MAX 10?
More than 30 airlines have ordered over 1,500 MAX 10s. Canada's WestJet is the launch customer.
