The FAA plans to loosen controls on Boeing manufacturing, once more permitting the company to self-certify its aircraft safety. This method represents standard industry procedure via the FAA Organization Designation Authorization, enabling makers to confirm flight readiness before customer delivery. Boeing held this authority for years until expense reductions prompted accelerated output and reduced safety focus, causing two fatal accidents in 2018 and 2019 plus a cabin panel failure in 2024. The list also includes astronauts left in orbit.

Those events prompted the FAA to remove Boeing certification authority for the 737 Max in 2019. Production shortfalls further led the agency in 2022 to withdraw similar rights for the 787 Dreamliner.

To recover, Boeing installed Kelly Ortberg as president and CEO with a safety-first directive. Results allowed the FAA to test an alternating review system in September, splitting certification duties weekly between the agency and Boeing. Comparable quality results across both intervals have convinced the FAA to return full self-certification for 737s and 787s. Rights for remaining models were never removed and stay in place.

737 Gains Momentum While Wider Issues Persist

The 737 Max continues its recovery with record sales that now top every prior Boeing model. FAA-imposed monthly production limits have moved upward from 38 to 47 aircraft. These steps aid Boeing while supporting passenger safety when build quality holds.

Reduced global output coincides with rising travel demand, pushing carriers to retain older fleets longer and creating separate risks. Faster supply of compliant new 737s helps ease that pressure.

From a broader perspective the Airbus A320 family leads the 737 in lifetime deliveries and holds stronger current orders. NASA labeled the astronaut stranding a Type A mishap, triggering Starliner redesign under tighter agency review. Ortberg has not yet stabilized the full Boeing portfolio, yet the latest FAA step advances recovery.