On Boeing’s last quarterly earnings call, the 737 MAX 7 and 737 MAX 10 were expected to be certified early and late in 2024, respectively. However, the recent “quality escapes” on the 737 MAX 9 and the decompression incident on Alaska Flight 1282 changed regulatory attitudes and likely actions regarding those programs.
Boeing asked the FAA to issue a special waiver to certify the MAX 7 and MAX 10 with a known defect to be fixed later. That defect would be corrected and retrofitted to the entire fleet, which is estimated to be completed by the end of 2026. The problem for all MAX models is that the Engine Anti-Ice System has no automatic shut-off. If this system is left on, it could overheat portions of the composite nacelle that is meant to contain engine parts in the event of an engine failure. That could result in parts hitting the fuselage and causing an explosive decompression.
