FAA and European regulators to accelerate commercial aircraft certification

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration has proposed a broad overhaul of its commercial aircraft certification process to shorten approval timelines. The plan seeks to align U.S. requirements with those of the European Union Aviation Safety Agency, reducing exemptions, special conditions and duplicate safety findings while preserving independent safety reviews.

The initiative aims to cut costs and delays for manufacturers such as Boeing, Airbus, Embraer and Bombardier, and to speed the entry of new jets into service. FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford emphasized the need for faster, transparent procedures, and officials highlighted recent progress on certifying newer Boeing 737 MAX variants. The FAA and EASA pledged deeper cooperation at a June meeting in Chantilly, Virginia, involving around 400 aviation professionals.

If adopted, the streamlined pathway would maintain safety oversight while providing more predictable schedules for airlines and suppliers that depend on timely aircraft deliveries.