Key Takeaways

  • The FAA cleared the 737 MAX 10 for expanded flight testing.
  • Testing will include avionics, propulsion systems, and other critical systems.
  • Regulators continue rigorous scrutiny of the long-delayed single-aisle variant.
  • An unresolved engine anti-ice issue remains a key hurdle in certification.

Strategic Implications

The FAA’s clearance may indicate incremental confidence in Boeing’s technical fixes. However, the ongoing flight-test campaign and unresolved issues suggest that certification at some point in 2026 is still a realistic outcome. Major carriers have adjusted fleet deployment plans accordingly, and airline executives have expressed expectations for aircraft entry into service beyond previously targeted delivery windows.