On August 3, the FAA granted an amended type certificate to the Boeing 737 MAX 7. The MAX 7 is a smaller version of the MAX. Its certification has taken longer than many expected, including Boeing. Boeing asked for an exemption to the MAX’s engine problem that could cause overheating and parts to break off mid-flight. It withdrew this request after a door plug separated from a 737 MAX 9 on January 5, 2024.
The European market does not appear too interested in the latest Boeing plane. As a result, Boeing did not seek concurrent EASA approval for the MAX 7. Southwest Airlines is lined up to be the biggest MAX 7 customer, with X orders.
Southwest has chosen to be an all-Boeing 737 fleet, one that gets more MAX-centric by the day. Its 737-700s are aging, and Southwest wants to become MAX Air. Southwest’s choice gives flyers a reason to avoid the airline, at least where they have a choice.
Southwest expects to begin operating the MAX 7 in early 2027.
