Boeing 737-7 and 737-10 Certifications Delayed to 2026
The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification of the Boeing 737-7 and 737-10 is now expected to be delayed until early 2026, according to Southwest Airlines CEO Bob Jordan and reporting by The Air Current.
Jordan told Bloomberg that Southwest no longer anticipates receiving the Boeing 737-7 until 2026—approximately seven years later than originally planned. The delay marks a major timeline shift for the airline, which has 295 of the type on order, according to ch-aviation data.
The Air Current reported that Boeing is progressing with the certification process but has yet to finalize a solution to a key safety concern involving the engine anti-ice (EAI) system. Boeing previously committed to the FAA and US Congress that the issue would be resolved before the aircraft enters service.
Boeing confirmed it is maturing a technical solution that includes design updates, which will be integrated into the baseline certification of both the 737-7 and 737-10. The company added that it is currently completing the necessary analysis to present to the FAA.
Besides Southwest, other customers for the 737-7 include Luxair, Ruili Airlines, and SkyUp Airlines, with a total of 326 orders in place, 22 of which are still unassigned. Meanwhile, Boeing has secured 1,271 orders for the larger 737-10. Major customers include United Airlines with 165 aircraft on order, Ryanair with 150, and American Airlines with 115.
Ryanair recently confirmed its commitment to the 737-10, expecting to receive the first 15 jets by spring 2027.
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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com, The Air Current