Boeing has reportedly chosen a design fix for its new 737 MAX models that addresses an issue with anti-icing systems, but which has pushed back the certification timeline for the MAX 7 and MAX 10 to mid-2025 at the earliest.
The troubled aircraft manufacturer had previously admitted that a fault with the engine nacelle inlet structure and anti-ice system was present in the first models of the MAX 7 aircraft.
Go deeper with GlobalData
While the issue could lead to structural damage to a plane by causing its engine to overheat, Boeing has said that there have been no safety incidents observed in service from inlet overheating.
The new timeline for the certification of the long-delayed MAX 7 and MAX 10 models emerged in reports from The Air Current and Reuters with sources saying that Boeing was planning on conducting flight tests for the fix later this year.
The company had previously requested a safety standard exemption from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for the MAX 7 over the issue but withdrew the request in January amid investigations into the safety and quality control of its 737 MAX production.
Though the MAX 10 was granted a type inspection authorisation by the FAA in November 2023, allowing Boeing to begin the flight-testing certification process, the model’s approval has been overshadowed by production concerns.
How well do you really know your competitors?
Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.
Thank you!
Your download email will arrive shortly
Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample
We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form
By GlobalDataNews of the fix comes in the same week that Boeing is due to file a report to the FAA detailing a plan that will restore safe and stable production at its 737 MAX factory in Washington, US after the regulator limited activity at the plant following the door plug blow out incident of an Alaska Airlines flight in January.
The 737 MAX family of aircraft has been plagued with certification and safety issues since it began operating, with two fatal crashes in 2018 and 2019 leading to the grounding of MAX 8 and 9 aircraft around the world.
As a result, Boeing was forced to recertify the models after failing to disclose issues with the Manoeuvring Characteristics Augmentation System, a failure that led to the FAA changing its certification rules.
