Boeing could receive certification from the US Federal Aviation Administration for the 737 MAX 7, the smallest variant in the 737 MAX family, by the end of July following years of delays.

According to AeroTime, citing a Wall Street Journal report and people familiar with the process, certification could be completed within the next few weeks. This would clear the way for deliveries of an aircraft that was officially launched in May 2013.

Southwest Airlines was the launch customer and originally expected to begin receiving the aircraft in 2019. However, the schedule was repeatedly pushed back due to technical issues, additional regulatory requirements and significantly tighter oversight of the 737 MAX programme.

The MAX 7 is powered exclusively by CFM International LEAP-1B engines and is designed to carry up to 172 passengers in a single-class configuration. Its maximum range is expected to be around 3,800 nautical miles, or just over 7,000 kilometres.

With this variant, Boeing is targeting the market segment between regional narrow-body aircraft and larger models such as the 737 MAX 8. Its main competitors include the Airbus A220-300, which can accommodate up to around 160 passengers in a single-class layout, and the A320neo, with a maximum capacity of 194 seats.

The MAX 7’s market position could become even more challenging if Airbus proceeds with a stretched version of the A220, currently unofficially referred to as the A220-500. Such an aircraft could seat around 180 passengers and compete more directly with the smallest member of Boeing’s MAX family.

Alongside the MAX 7, the largest variant in the family, the 737 MAX 10, is also approaching the final stage of certification. FAA Deputy Administrator Chris Rocheleau previously indicated that only the final details remained before the process could be completed.

Should the MAX 7 receive approval by the end of July, it would represent an important milestone for Boeing, Southwest Airlines and other customers, while also bringing one of the longest certification processes involving a modern passenger aircraft closer to completion.