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FAA Certifies Boeing 737-7; Southwest Orders 300 Jets

8/4/2026

32 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Boeing Certified

The U.S. FAA granted Boeing an amended type certificate for the 737-7, clearing the model for service.
The 737-7 seats 135-160 passengers, flies up to 3,800 nautical miles, cuts fuel burn and emissions by 20% and reduces noise by 50%.
Southwest Airlines, the launch customer, will acquire 300 jets but will not fly them commercially until 2027.

Summary

Southwest Delays Max-7

Southwest's 13-year Max 7 delay forced it to keep aging 737-700s, worsening post-COVID fleet issues.
Southwest committed in May 2013, swapping 30 737NG orders for Max 7 jets.
United Airlines and WestJet later changed all Max 7 orders to Max 8, preferring a certified model.
Cirium reports about 30 completed but undelivered Max 7s and an unnamed customer ordering 15 more.

History

Historical Context

Boeing announced the 737 Next Generation program in November 1993; the FAA granted the first NG type certificate for the 737-600 on August 18 1998. That approval let United Airlines and Southwest Airlines order the new -600, -700 and -800 models, contributing to more than 7,100 deliveries. The FAA’s 2024 amendment of the 737-7 certificate repeats this precedent, clearing Southwest’s Max 7 fleet.

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Boeing Certified

The U.S. FAA granted Boeing an amended type certificate for the 737-7, clearing the model for service.
The 737-7 seats 135-160 passengers, flies up to 3,800 nautical miles, cuts fuel burn and emissions by 20% and reduces noise by 50%.
Southwest Airlines, the launch customer, will acquire 300 jets but will not fly them commercially until 2027.

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