FAA Restores Boeing’s Authority to Self-Certify 737 MAX & 787 Jets
In a significant development for the beleaguered aerospace titan, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) declared on July 17, 2026, that Boeing has regained the authority to independently issue airworthiness certificates for all newly manufactured 737 MAX and 787 Dreamliner aircraft. This is a responsibility that was previously withdrawn from the company following two fatal crashes in 2018 and 2019.
The decision, which comes into effect on Monday, July 20, 2026, is the result of an eight-month shared certification process. During this period, Boeing and FAA inspectors alternated weekly checks on new planes. The FAA reports that the quality findings from both parties were consistently comparable, providing regulators with the assurance needed to return full sign-off authority to the manufacturer.
“Safety drives everything we do, and this step forward is only possible because we are confident it can be done safely,” stated FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford.
The FAA had also rescinded Boeing’s self-certification rights for the 787 Dreamliner in 2022 due to persistent production quality issues. However, the agency emphasized its commitment to continue conducting audits, inspections, and monitoring of Boeing’s factories. The production cap for the 737 MAX has gradually increased to 47 aircraft per month this summer, further demonstrating growing regulatory confidence in Boeing’s systems.
📌 Source: CNBC – FAA lets Boeing sign off on 737 Max, 787 airworthiness certificates again