FAA Expected to Certify Boeing 737 MAX 10 on Tuesday, Sources Say; Ryanair Eyes 2027 Deliveries

The Federal Aviation Administration is expected to certify Boeing's 737 MAX 10, with Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy due to make the announcement on Tuesday, Oct. 20, Reuters reported, citing people familiar with the plans. Aviacionline, relaying the report, said the event would take place at Boeing's Everett plant, and the FAA's Type Certification Board met on Friday, Oct. 16. The FAA itself has said only that safety dictates the certification timeline, so the approval is not yet official.

Ryanair is one of the most exposed customers. CEO Michael O'Leary said he was optimistic certification would be completed this month, allowing Ryanair to receive its first aircraft in early 2027. The airline has 150 firm MAX 10 orders plus options for 150 more, for delivery from 2027 to 2033.

The certification would close a long delay. Boeing originally planned to start MAX 10 deliveries in 2020; earlier holdups centred on an engine anti-ice issue, and a September pause concerned flight-management software versions. Airlines have ordered nearly 1,500 MAX 10s, about 30% of Boeing's outstanding 737 backlog, per Reuters, with United among the largest customers. The smaller MAX 7 was certified in August.

For BA, approval would unlock deliveries of a model that accounts for a large share of its narrowbody backlog and help cash flow from 2027. Watch for the formal FAA announcement, any conditions attached to the certificate, and Boeing's delivery schedule for the first MAX 10 customers.