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FAA Clears 737 MAX 10 for Expanded Flight Testing

January 12, 2026

2 min read

Key Takeaways

Boeing's 737 MAX 10 begins second phase of flight testing.
Testing expands to avionics, propulsion systems, and other critical systems.
Certification remains uncertain, with 2026 as the most realistic outcome.
Alaska Airlines places record order for 105 737 MAX 10 aircraft.

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Strategic Implications

The FAA's clearance for expanded testing may indicate growing confidence in Boeing's technical fixes, but certification uncertainty suggests a continued impact on airline fleet deployment plans. The ongoing scrutiny could also signal a shift in regulatory oversight, which may influence the certification process for future aircraft.

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What Happened

Boeing Advances Toward Certification Amid Regulatory Scrutiny

The Federal Aviation Administration has cleared Boeing’s 737 MAX 10 to begin the second phase of flight testing, a crucial step toward certification. The move expands testing to include critical systems, despite an unresolved engine anti-ice issue remaining a key hurdle. Boeing maintains that certification is achievable this year, but regulators have stopped short of assigning firm dates. Major carriers have begun adjusting fleet deployment plans, with Alaska Airlines recently placing a record order for 105 737 MAX 10 aircraft. The development was first reported by AeroTime.

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