FAA Allows Boeing to Resume Certifying 737 Max and 787 Aircraft After Safety Review

The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced that Boeing will once again be permitted to certify all of its 737 Max and 787 Dreamliner aircraft beginning next week, following the completion of a months-long safety review.

The decision marks another step in restoring Boeing's certification authority after years of heightened regulatory scrutiny triggered by fatal crashes, production quality concerns and manufacturing issues.

While Boeing will regain responsibility for issuing final airworthiness certifications, the FAA has confirmed that federal oversight of the company's manufacturing facilities will continue.

FAA Restores Certification Authority

Since September 2025, Boeing and FAA inspectors had been alternating weekly responsibilities for conducting the final inspections required before aircraft deliveries.

According to the FAA, both Boeing and government inspectors consistently reached the same conclusions when evaluating aircraft for airworthiness.

Following the successful review, regulators concluded that Boeing's quality control and final safety checks now meet the standards required for the company to resume certifying its own aircraft.

Safety Oversight Will Continue

FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford said safety remains the agency's top priority and emphasised that the decision was made only after regulators were confident Boeing could safely resume the certification process.

Although Boeing will once again issue airworthiness certifications, FAA inspectors will continue monitoring production lines and manufacturing facilities to identify and address potential quality issues at an earlier stage.

The continued oversight is intended to ensure long-term compliance with federal aviation safety standards.

Why Boeing Lost Certification Authority

The FAA assumed direct control over 737 Max certifications in 2019 following two fatal crashes linked to the aircraft's MCAS flight-control system, which resulted in a worldwide grounding of the model.

In 2022, the regulator also suspended Boeing's authority to self-certify 787 Dreamliner aircraft because of persistent manufacturing and production quality concerns.

The latest decision signals growing confidence in Boeing's efforts to strengthen safety procedures and quality assurance systems.

737 Max Production Restrictions Also Eased

The FAA has also gradually relaxed production limits imposed on Boeing following the January 2024 Alaska Airlines incident, in which a fuselage panel detached from a 737 Max aircraft during flight.

Initially capped at 38 aircraft per month, Boeing's maximum monthly production has now increased to 47 aircraft as regulators continue monitoring manufacturing performance.

The easing of both production restrictions and certification authority represents a significant milestone in Boeing's ongoing recovery.

A Key Step in Boeing's Recovery

The restoration of certification authority is expected to improve Boeing's aircraft delivery process while maintaining strong regulatory oversight.

Industry observers view the FAA's decision as a sign that the manufacturer has made measurable progress in addressing the safety and quality concerns that have challenged the company over the past several years.

Key Highlights

• The FAA has allowed Boeing to resume certifying all 737 Max and 787 Dreamliner aircraft.
• The decision follows a months-long safety review conducted jointly by Boeing and federal inspectors.
• FAA oversight of Boeing's factories will continue despite the restoration of certification authority.
• Boeing lost self-certification rights for the 737 Max in 2019 and the 787 Dreamliner in 2022.
• Production limits on the 737 Max have also been eased from 38 to 47 aircraft per month.

FAQs

What has the FAA announced regarding Boeing?

The FAA has authorised Boeing to resume certifying all of its 737 Max and 787 Dreamliner aircraft after completing a safety review.

Why did Boeing lose its certification authority?

The FAA removed Boeing's certification authority following the 737 Max crashes in 2019 and later suspended 787 Dreamliner self-certification due to manufacturing quality concerns.

Will the FAA continue monitoring Boeing?

Yes. Although Boeing can once again certify its aircraft, FAA inspectors will continue overseeing the company's manufacturing operations.

What is the current production limit for Boeing's 737 Max?

The FAA has increased Boeing's monthly 737 Max production cap to 47 aircraft, up from the earlier limit of 38.

Why is this decision significant?

The move reflects growing regulatory confidence in Boeing's improved safety systems while maintaining continued federal oversight.