After nearly a decade of delays, the Federal Aviation Administration finally certified the Boeing 737 Max 7 — the smallest variant in the best-selling family. And the certification is a major win for Southwest, which had been counting on the aircraft to help it grow.
Southwest initially expected to operate the Max 7 before the pandemic, but increased regulatory scrutiny on Boeing following two fatal plane crashes, concerns about the plane maker’s safety and quality practices, along with a redesign of the aircraft’s anti-icing engine led to delays.
At one point, the delays forced Southwest to exit four airports and slow down pilot and flight attendant hiring. Now, Southwest will be the launch customer for the aircraft next year.
The Max 7 offers the longest range within the aircraft family at 3,800 nautical miles. It also offers 135 to 160 seats. Boeing is expecting the Max 10 — the largest variant in the Max family — to be approved before the end of the year.
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