Ryanair said the Boeing 737 MAX 10 could finally receive certification in the third quarter of 2026, paving the way for the first aircraft deliveries to begin in spring 2027.
The forecast was mentioned by Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary in an interview with Reuters. According to him, Boeing is working to secure certification of the model with the FAA as early as the third quarter of this year, on a more specific timeline than previously communicated publicly by the U.S. manufacturer.
So far, Boeing has declined to comment publicly on the new estimate.
The 737 MAX 10 is the largest version of the 737 MAX family and can carry up to 230 passengers in a high-density configuration. The model is seen as a key asset for low-cost airlines like Ryanair, which rely on higher capacity per flight to improve operational efficiency.
The aircraft’s certification program, however, has faced delays for years. In January 2026, Boeing had already indicated that first deliveries could slip to 2027, but without detailing when regulatory approval would be obtained.
According to O’Leary, the main technical hurdles in the program — particularly the certification of the engines and the anti-icing system — are now largely resolved. He also stated that Ryanair remains in close contact with Boeing and is confident that the timeline will be met.
While awaiting final approval, Boeing is already preparing for the aircraft’s entry into service. According to the company’s chief financial officer, Jay Malave, the manufacturer plans to build 30 units of the 737 MAX 10 during 2026 to begin deliveries in 2027.
In addition, Boeing plans to increase production of the 737 MAX family to 47 aircraft per month by the end of 2026. Part of this increase will be absorbed by the new assembly line in Everett, reinforcing the company’s strategy to expand its industrial capacity.
The 737 MAX 10 order backlog already totals 1,404 aircraft, highlighting strong demand for the jet even before its final certification. Ryanair remains the main customer and one of the airlines most eager to accelerate the aircraft’s entry into service.
According to Michael O’Leary, the final signature from the FAA could be only a matter of weeks. Boeing has reportedly already started final assembly of the first 30 aircraft of the 737 MAX 10 variant in anticipation of regulatory approval.
If confirmed within this timeframe, certification will represent a decisive step for Boeing, which is seeking to stabilize the 737 MAX program and meet a long queue of customers awaiting the highest-capacity variant of the family.
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Source and images: Ryanair | Boeing. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
