Boeing’s new 737 MAX 9 is seen during a flight test. Credit: Paul Weatherman / Boeing.

The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has awarded an amended type certificate (ATC) to Boeing’s 737 MAX 9 aircraft, the latest addition to the 737 MAX family of aircraft.

With the newly granted ATC, the FAA has officially certified the aircraft for commercial service.

The ATC also represents the successful completion of flight test programme that began last March involving two 737 MAX 9 test aircraft.

“Our teams built superior capabilities into the MAX 9 and proved them all the way through the flight test.”

It further confirms that the aircraft’s handling, systems and overall performance comply with necessary aviation regulations.

Boeing Commercial Airplanes 737 MAX programme vice-president and general manager Keith Leverkuhn said: “Our teams built superior capabilities into the MAX 9 and proved them all the way through the flight test.

“We’re looking forward to bringing this airplane to market for our valued customers.”

Boeing is currently in the final stages of preparing the first 737 MAX 9 plane to launch customer Lion Air Group over the next few weeks.

The 737 MAX 9 aircraft will be able to accommodate up to 220 passengers and feature a maximum flying range of 3,550 nautical miles.

It will be equipped with three more seat rows than the 737 MAX 8 aircraft to provide additional capacity to its operators.

The entire family of 737 MAX aircraft is developed to offer improved performance to its customers, in terms of lower per-seat costs and an extended range to open up new destinations in the single-aisle market.

It is powered by the latest CFM International LEAP-1B engines and comprises advanced technology winglets, Boeing sky interior, large flight deck displays and other features.