After more than six years since fatal crashes of its 737 Max model tragically claimed 346 lives, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced on Friday, September 26, 2025, that Boeing would regain the authority to conduct final safety inspections and certify these jets for flight.
This decision, set to take effect on Monday, September 29, 2025, follows an extensive review of Boeing’s manufacturing quality and restores the company’s authorization to issue airworthiness certificates for both its Max and 787 Dreamliner passenger aircraft.
Federal regulators initially stripped Boeing of this self-certification privilege for the 737 Max in 2019, a move prompted by the second of two deadly crashes attributed to a flawed software system designed by the aerospace giant.
Later, in 2022, the FAA also revoked Boeing’s ability to self-certify its 787 Dreamliner planes due to persistent production quality concerns.
Under the new arrangement, Boeing and FAA inspectors will alternate weekly in conducting the critical safety checks required before aircraft can be delivered and deemed airworthy. The FAA noted that this collaborative approach would enable its inspectors to dedicate more time to rigorous quality oversight directly on Boeing’s production lines.
The Associated Press sought comment from Boeing on Friday but did not immediately receive a response.
This significant FAA announcement coincided with positive news regarding new orders for Boeing, leading to a roughly 4% increase in the company’s stock price during afternoon trading.
Specifically, Turkish Airlines, Turkey’s national carrier, announced its intent to purchase 75 Dreamliners and expressed interest in acquiring up to 150 additional 737 Max jets. Boeing highlighted that if finalized, this Max order would represent the largest single sale for its top-selling aircraft.
Adding to this boost, the Norwegian Group, encompassing Norwegian Air Shuttle and Wideroe, also confirmed an order for 30 Boeing 737 Max 8 aircraft on Friday.
Renewed Focus Under the Trump Administration
Following President Donald Trump’s return to office this year, his administration has prominently featured Boeing in its strategy to revitalize U.S. manufacturing. This renewed governmental focus appears to be yielding results, with numerous international airlines finalizing new sales agreements with Boeing in recent months.
Despite these positive developments, some critics continue to voice concerns regarding the effectiveness of Boeing’s reforms in its corporate culture and manufacturing processes, questioning whether adequate measures are in place to guarantee the safety of its passenger planes.
These ongoing concerns are underscored by a recent FAA announcement from earlier this month, revealing a proposed $3.1 million fine against Boeing for alleged safety violations occurring between September 2023 and February 2024. Notably, these violations include the alarming incident in January 2024, where a panelled-over exit door blew out on a 737 Max during an Alaska Airlines flight.