The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has awarded an amended type certificate to Boeing’s 737 MAX 8 aircraft for commercial service.

The certification also verifies the aircraft design’s compatibility to meet all the required aviation regulations, as well as the safety and reliability of the plane.

Before receiving the certification, Boeing concluded a comprehensive test programme that began more than a year ago with four 737 MAX 8 aircraft, as well as ground and laboratory testing.

“This certification is a true testament to the dedication and commitment of our entire MAX team throughout the process, from airplane design to flight testing."

Boeing Commercial Airplanes 737 MAX programme vice-president and general manager Keith Leverkuhn said: “This certification is a true testament to the dedication and commitment of our entire MAX team throughout the process, from airplane design to flight testing.

“The Renton team looks forward to delivering superior efficiency, reliability and design to our customers as they start to receive their 737 MAX aircraft in the next few months.”

Developed for the single-aisle market, the 737 MAX 8 aircraft is designed to reduce fuel consumption and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by an additional 14% over the existing fuel-efficient, single-aisle airplanes.

Part of Boeing’s 737 MAX family of aircraft, the MAX 8 and MAX 9 aircraft versions will be followed in 2019 by the smaller MAX 7 and higher capacity MAX 200 aircraft.

In addition, Boeing rolled out its first 737 MAX 9 aircraft, which is the second member of the 737 MAX family and is capable to carry a maximum of 220 passengers.


Image: A Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft. Photo: courtesy of Boeing.