US aviation giant Boeing has received certification for its largest 737 MAX plane, the 737-10, from the Federal Aviation Administration, ending years of delays.
The 737 Max 10’s certification represents another milestone in Boeing’s efforts to restore its reputation and financial footing after years of safety, quality and production challenges. With production approved, the aircraft can now be sold to domestic and foreign carriers.
US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said the certification followed years of extensive review.
“After extensive safety reviews – including thousands of hours of test flights – the team at the FAA is ready to approve this critical aircraft for sale,” Duffy said on Tuesday.
“This is a major win for American manufacturing and our nation’s status as a global aviation powerhouse. We invented flight, we pioneered air travel, and we are going to continue leading the way in aviation safety and innovation.”
Stephanie Pope, president and chief executive of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, said more than 30 customers around the world had purchased the 737-10 model, with orders totalling 1,555 planes to date.
“Completing the certification program clears the path for us to deliver a Boeing airplane that will set a new standard in commercial aviation. The 737-10 offers greater capacity, longer range and the best seat economics in its class, a platform that will create more value and opportunities for airlines around the world,” Pope said.
“We are also delighted to complete the 737 MAX family and provide our customers the most-efficient and flexible single-aisle airplane portfolio in the industry.”
The 737-10 will typically seat between 185 and 210 passengers and offers a range of up to 5,740 kilometres. Boeing said that, like other 737 MAX jets, the 737-10 reduces fuel use and CO2 emissions by 20 per cent.
The Max 10 is an important piece of the company’s effort to regain ground in the narrow-body market.
For airlines, the larger plane offers a way to carry more passengers on a single flight, potentially lowering costs per seat.
For travellers, it could eventually mean more seats on popular routes, though the impact on fares will depend on how airlines deploy the planes and how much competition they face.
with AP
Australian Associated Press is the beating heart of Australian news. AAP is Australia’s only independent national newswire and has been delivering accurate, reliable and fast news content to the media industry, government and corporate sector for 85 years. We keep Australia informed.
