The Federal Aviation Administration has certified Boeing's 737 Max 10, the largest version of the planemaker's most popular narrowbody aircraft. The approval for passenger service on Tuesday clears a major regulatory hurdle and marks a boost for the company's recovery.
The certification follows nearly a decade of delays, as the model was originally set to start flying in 2020. The lengthy process was disrupted by two fatal crashes, a series of quality lapses, and increased scrutiny over safety issues. The final certification was also briefly held up by a flight-software glitch.
Designed to carry more passengers while using less fuel, the Max 10 aims to appeal to airlines facing high jet fuel costs. Boeing expects deliveries of the aircraft to begin in 2027.