Boeing is in the final stages of securing regulatory approval for a redesigned engine anti-ice system on its 737 MAX aircraft, a key step toward certifying the delayed MAX 7 and MAX 10 variants. The updated system addresses a potential overheating issue that could lead to engine failure and has been the primary obstacle preventing the two models from entering commercial service.

The company said the 737 MAX 10 has completed 98% of its certification flight testing, with only two test flights remaining. Boeing has already built around 30 MAX 7 aircraft and nine MAX 10 jets awaiting delivery. Once approved, airlines operating existing 737 MAX aircraft will also need to retrofit the improved anti-ice system during scheduled maintenance to minimize operational disruption.

The certification process has faced years of delays following increased regulatory scrutiny after the fatal 737 MAX crashes in 2018 and 2019, as well as quality concerns raised in recent years. Boeing also confirmed that its new safety enhancements, including an updated flight crew alerting system, will be installed across the entire 737 MAX fleet within two years of regulatory certification.

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