FAA Restores Boeing Certification Authority for 737 MAX and 787

The Federal Aviation Administration has restored Boeing's authority to issue individual airworthiness certificates for all newly built 737 MAX and 787 Dreamliner aircraft, effective July 20. The decision follows months of production and safety reviews that the agency says demonstrate consistent quality — a significant milestone in Boeing's ongoing safety recovery after the 737 MAX MCAS crashes and subsequent quality crises affecting the 787 program.

In an email to Congress, the FAA said production-quality findings were comparable whether the agency or the manufacturer issued certificates during a trial period that began in September 2025. The restoration reverses a strict oversight regime the agency had imposed to ensure Boeing's manufacturing processes met required standards before delegated authority was returned. Officials stressed that the move does not alter the type certification of either aircraft; it changes only who signs off on individual airframes prior to delivery.

Ongoing Oversight and Upcoming Certifications

Despite the return of delegated authority, the FAA said it will continue regular inspections, audits and monitoring of Boeing's production systems. Industry analysts say the change should help Boeing eliminate procedural bottlenecks as it works toward ramping 737 MAX output to approximately 47 jets per month. The FAA also indicated that type certification for the 737 MAX 7 is expected soon, with the 737 MAX 10 likely to follow before year-end.