What Happened
Regulator Returns Certification Responsibility to Manufacturer
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has restored Boeing’s authority to issue airworthiness certificates for all newly built 737 MAX and 787 aircraft, effective July 20, 2026. The decision follows an eight-month review comparing production quality between aircraft certified by Boeing and those certified directly by the FAA. According to the regulator, the review found comparable production quality, leading to the conclusion that certification responsibility could be safely returned to Boeing. The FAA will continue to maintain close oversight of Boeing’s production system, including inspections, audits, and monitoring. This development was first reported by AeroTime.