FAA Certifies Boeing 737-7, Ending Seven-Year Delay for Southwest Airlines

Boeing 737-7 Secures FAA Certification

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has certified the Boeing 737-7. This approval came seven years later than initially planned. The 737-7 is the longest-range variant of the 737 MAX family. It is also the smallest model in the series. This aircraft was originally scheduled to enter service in 2019. Southwest Airlines was the intended launch customer.

However, plans were disrupted after two tragic crashes. These incidents involved the slightly larger 737 MAX-8 variant. A Lion Air jet crashed in 2018. An Ethiopian Airlines aircraft followed in 2019. Boeing later dropped the “MAX” title for the 737-7 model. This change reflected the aftermath of these accidents. The FAA subsequently initiated a complete reset of its aircraft approval process.

Addressing Technical and Regulatory Hurdles

The certification process spanned nearly a decade. It involved significant changes to the model’s engines. Cockpit alert systems also underwent modifications. A major setback occurred in 2021. Engineers found that the engine anti-ice system caused excessive heat. This issue affected the CFM-manufactured LEAP-1B engines. Continuous use could weaken the inlet structure.

This posed a risk of debris shedding. Boeing and CFM redesigned elements of the engine. The FAA stated the process resolved complex technical issues. It completed a thorough review of the aircraft’s design. Supporting safety analyses were also conducted. The FAA performed or reviewed work on flight controls. System safety assessments were included.

Human factors and flightcrew alerting also received attention. Other safety-critical areas were examined. Testing, design changes, and additional analysis were required.

Enhanced Scrutiny and Quality Controls

Further regulatory attention followed another incident. A Boeing 737 MAX-9 operated by Alaska Airlines suffered a door plug blowout. This occurred shortly after take-off. Fortunately, no one was seriously injured. However, this event refocused the FAA’s attention. The agency scrutinised Boeing’s quality controls.

Boeing’s chief executive, Stephanie Pope, commented on the lengthy timeline. She stated it validated the rigour of the aircraft’s design. Pope also recognised the development team’s determination and resilience. The FAA performed extensive reviews. These included flight controls and system safety assessments. Human factors and flightcrew alerting were also part of the review. The agency mandated testing and design changes where necessary.

Aircraft Capabilities and Airline Modernisation

The 737-7 offers a range of up to 3,800 nautical miles. This is approximately 8.5% further than the 737 MAX-8. It accommodates between 135 and 160 passengers. This capacity is for a typical two-class configuration. The 737 MAX-8 can carry up to 180 passengers. The 737 MAX-8 was the first MAX variant certified in 2017. The MAX-9 followed with certification in 2018.

Southwest Airlines has ordered more than 300 Boeing 737-7 aircraft. The airline considers this model pivotal. It forms a key part of Southwest’s long-term fleet modernisation strategy. This aircraft will allow airlines to serve longer, thinner routes.