FAA Clears Path for MAX 7/10 Certification; Boeing Logs $114.6 B in 2025 Jet Orders
FAA head says the agency is not delaying 737 MAX 7 and MAX 10 certification, removing a regulatory hurdle. Boeing closed 2025 with 1,075 net orders worth $114.6 billion (including 175 December units), beefed up 787 production and secured Ethiopian Airlines orders for nine 787-9s and 11 737 MAX jets.
1. FAA Clears Path for 737 MAX 7 and MAX 10 Certification
On January 21, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Administrator Michael Whitaker confirmed that the agency is not impeding Boeing’s efforts to secure certification for its 737 MAX 7 and MAX 10 variants. Whitaker emphasized that both designs have met the FAA’s stringent safety and performance requirements, and the review process is progressing on schedule. With the MAX 7 targeting regional operators and the MAX 10 designed to compete with larger single-aisle aircraft, Boeing expects full certification approvals in the second quarter, paving the way for first deliveries by mid-2026.
2. Strong Order Inflow and Delivery Ramp Fuel Production Recovery
Boeing closed 2025 with its highest annual delivery total since 2018, dispatching 815 commercial jets across its 737, 777 and 787 product lines. December alone brought 175 new orders, led by a commitment from Alaska Airlines for 30 737 MAX jets. Net order inflow for the year reached 1,075 units, representing $114.6 billion in list-price value. To meet growing demand, Boeing has increased the 737 MAX production rate to 50 aircraft per month and plans to boost 787 Dreamliner output from 6 to 8 per month by the end of 2026, targeting a combined annual production of 700 jets next year.
3. 787 Production Momentum Gains After Year-End Slump
UBS analysts report that early January Dreamlifter tracking and delivery updates indicate a rebound in Boeing’s 787 production following the typical year-end slowdown. Over the 30 days ending January 9, Dreamlifter cargo flights carrying 787 components rose 69% year-over-year, suggesting assembly lines are regaining pace. Boeing aims to deliver 120 Dreamliners in 2026, up from 95 in 2025, supported by streamlined supply-chain processes and the reopening of key supplier facilities in Wichita and Charleston.
4. Ethiopian Airlines Orders Nine 787 Dreamliners
On January 20, Boeing announced an order from Ethiopian Airlines for nine 787-9 Dreamliners, expanding the carrier’s fuel-efficient long-haul fleet. This deal, finalized in December 2025, follows Ethiopian’s commitment to purchase 11 additional 737 MAX jets, bringing its total Boeing backlog to 20 aircraft. Ethiopian, which currently serves 145 international destinations, cited the 787’s 25% fuel-burn improvement over previous generation widebodies as central to its network expansion strategy across Europe, Asia and North America.