Boeing Faces Opposition to 737 MAX 7 Safety Exemption; Southwest Removes MAX 7 from 2024 Plans

As the FAA investigates Boeing's safety procedures, Alaska Airlines and United Airlines prepare to resume flights with their MAX 9s.

Boeing's 737 MAX 7 faces opposition to its safety exemption, with U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth and Maria Cantwell urging the FAA to reject Boeing's request.
Southwest Airlines, the largest MAX 7 customer, has removed the MAX 7 from its 2024 plans due to uncertainty around the aircraft's certification and delivery timing.
Boeing's exemption request is for the MAX 7's engine anti-ice system, which fails to meet certain safety standards. The FAA has identified this system as having a potentially catastrophic flaw.
Alaska Airlines and United Airlines plan to resume flights with their MAX 9s, following inspections and repairs to the door plugs, one of which broke loose on an Alaska Airlines flight earlier this month.
The FAA is investigating Boeing's safety procedures in manufacturing the part that blew off the Alaska jet, and has stated it won't let Boeing expand production of MAX jets until quality-control concerns are resolved.