FAA to Propose Changes to Accelerate Certification of New Commercial Aircraft
The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced that it will propose modifications to streamline the certification process for commercial aircraft. According to a statement issued by the Trump administration on Thursday, the proposal will be ready by December and will include updates to certain certification standards for transport aircraft and propulsion systems.
The goal is to reduce the number of exemptions, special conditions, and equivalent level of safety findings required during certification processes, making this initiative a deregulatory effort.
Lower Costs, Greater Efficiency and Safety
The FAA anticipates that this modernization will reduce certification costs and timelines for both the industry and the agency itself, while maintaining—and even enhancing—safety levels. It also plans to harmonize regulations with international standards, a key step for global competitiveness.
Mike Whitaker, who previously headed the FAA, told Reuters in December that the agency is working on the use of new technologies to simplify the aircraft approval process.
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Impact on Boeing and the 737 MAX
The need to expedite certifications is reflected in the delays faced by Boeing with the 737 MAX 7. Initially, the company expected certification in 2022. However, after several setbacks, it withdrew its exemption request in January related to an engine anti-ice system issue.
In July, Boeing acknowledged that it does not expect the MAX 7 to be approved until next year. Southwest Airlines confirmed that, in the best-case scenario, the aircraft would enter service by late 2026.
This delay also directly affects the MAX 10, since the FAA must first certify the smaller model before granting approval for the larger one. United Airlines indicated that it may not receive the MAX 10 until 2027 or 2028, due to uncertainty surrounding regulatory approval.
Next Steps
The FAA’s upcoming proposal will be decisive not only for manufacturers like Boeing, but also for airlines that depend on the entry into service of new models. The industry is closely watching how these reforms could transform the landscape of aircraft certification in the United States and its alignment with international standards.
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