Boeing receives FAA 737 Max 7 certification amid new inspection orders

Boeing has received significant analyst support following the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification of its 737 Max 7 model. According to Bloomberg consensus data, 84.4% of analysts have buy or hold recommendations, marking the highest level of support for the company since 2022. This certification concludes a decade-long process impacted by previous safety and quality issues.

Simultaneously, the FAA has issued an airworthiness directive ordering inspections of hundreds of Boeing 737 Max aircraft. The directive follows reports of potential cracks in the ‘bear strap’—a metal reinforcement near the forward galley door. The FAA estimates that 471 US-registered jets, including certain 737-8, 737-9, and high-density 737-8200 models, are affected. The agency warned that such cracking could compromise the structural integrity of the aircraft.

Boeing reported a 32% reduction in net losses in its recent semi-annual results, attributed to an increase in commercial aircraft deliveries. While the company faces new inspection requirements, it continues to progress with other models, including the 777X program, which has been authorized for certification flight tests.