Boeing MAX 7/10 Nearing Certification Milestone

For nearly a decade, Boeing’s narrowbody strategy has been a game of “missing dates.” While the MAX 8 and MAX 9 have been the workhorses of Boeing’s recovery, the two bookends of the family—the MAX 7 and the MAX 10—remained stuck in a regulatory and engineering limbo. That stalemate is officially ending. Following Boeing’s April 2026 update, the path is clear: 2026 is the year of the stamp, and 2027 is the year of the delivery.

Engine Anti-Ice Fix

The Engine Anti-Ice (EAI) fix is central to ending the stalemate. Boeing’s decision to move away from seeking a safety waiver

in 2025 and instead pursue a permanent engineering solution was a gamble on time.

As of 2Q26, the hardware redesign—which prevents overheating of engine inlets—has moved from lab testing to flight testing. This isn’t just about safety; it’s about fleet commonality. By fixing the hardware rather than relying on pilot procedures (which required different training for the -7 and -10 versus the -8 and -9), Boeing is preserving the “single type rating” appeal that airlines like Southwest and United demand.