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FinanceFAA allows Boeing to resume self-issuing airworthiness certificates for 737 Max and 787
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The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced on July 17, 2026, that Boeing can once again issue airworthiness certificates for its 737 Max and 787 Dreamliner aircraft, restoring an authority stripped from the manufacturer after two fatal 737 Max crashes in 2018 and 2019. The FAA had partially restored this ability in September 2025, alternating weeks between Boeing and the FAA. After eight months of monitoring, the FAA found comparable production quality results when Boeing issued certificates versus when the FAA did, leading to the full restoration. The decision represents a vote of confidence in Boeing from its regulator, following years of safety crises including the two crashes and a January 2024 incident where a door plug blew off a 737 Max 9 mid-flight. Boeing did not immediately comment on the decision.
Source report
The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced Friday that Boeing can once again issue airworthiness certificates for its 737 Max and 787 Dreamliner aircraft — an authority the manufacturer lost following two fatal crashes of the 737 Max in 2018 and 2019.
Key Developments
- The FAA confirmed Boeing may resume ticketing its own 737 Max and 787 Dreamliner aircraft before delivery to customers.
- The company had been stripped of this ability in the wake of the two deadly crashes.
- In September 2025, the FAA had already indicated it would allow Boeing to resume some issuance of airworthiness certificates.
Background
The FAA stated last September that Boeing could certify some of its Max and Dreamliner planes on a rotating weekly basis, alternating between the FAA and Boeing performing the work.
"During the past eight months, the FAA has seen comparable production quality findings when Boeing issued airworthiness certificates and when the FAA issued them," the agency said Friday. "Based on these results, the FAA determined it can safely return this responsibility to Boeing."
Boeing did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Significance
The decision represents a vote of confidence from Boeing's regulator and the U.S. government after years of safety crises. These include the two fatal 737 Max crashes and a near catastrophe in January 2024, when a door plug blew off a new 737 Max 9 moments into a flight.
Boeing is one of the largest U.S. exporters by value.
Source
US Top News and AnalysisWestern
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FAA allows Boeing to resume self-issuing airworthiness certificates for 737 Max and 787