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Boeing 737 MAX: Status as of January 24, 2026
Table of Contents
The Boeing 737 MAX continues to undergo scrutiny and operational adjustments following the two fatal crashes in 2018 and 2019, and a subsequent grounding. As of January 24, 2026, the aircraft is permitted to fly in most jurisdictions, but remains subject to ongoing oversight from aviation regulators and faces continued legal challenges and public concern. Recent developments focus on quality control issues identified in late 2023 and 2024, and their impact on production and delivery schedules.
FAA Oversight of the Boeing 737 MAX
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) maintains continued oversight of the Boeing 737 MAX, focusing on software updates, pilot training, and manufacturing processes. The FAA lifted the grounding order on March 17, 2021, after Boeing implemented software enhancements to the Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System (MCAS).
Detail: The FAA’s oversight includes ongoing inspections of Boeing’s manufacturing facilities and a review of its safety management system. In December 2023, the FAA issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) to require additional safety measures for the 737 MAX, including enhanced inspection procedures and improved system redundancy. This NPRM was finalized in June 2024.
Example or Evidence: The FAA issued a finding in December 2023 that Boeing failed to follow quality control procedures during the manufacturing of some 737 MAX aircraft,specifically related to fastener holes. This led to temporary production slowdowns and increased inspections.
Department of Justice Legal Proceedings
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) reached a settlement with boeing in January 2021 regarding criminal charges related to the 737 MAX crashes.
Detail: The settlement included a $2.5 billion fine and the establishment of a $500 million fund for the families of the victims.However, numerous civil lawsuits filed by the families and airlines continued to proceed. As of January 24, 2026, several of these cases remain active, with ongoing discovery and settlement negotiations.
Example or Evidence: In November 2025, a federal jury in Texas found Boeing liable for wrongful death in a case brought by the family of a victim of the 2018 Lion Air crash, though the amount of damages is still to be determined. This ruling could influence future settlements.
Boeing Production and Deliveries
Boeing has been working to ramp up production of the 737 MAX, but has faced challenges due to supply chain constraints and quality control issues.
Detail: In 2024, Boeing substantially reduced its projected delivery numbers for the 737 MAX due to the aforementioned quality control problems and difficulties sourcing key components. The company has implemented a series of corrective actions, including increased inspections and retraining of workers. Boeing aims to reach a production rate of 38 aircraft per month by mid-2025, but has repeatedly pushed back this target. As of January 2026, the production rate is at 32 aircraft per month.
Example or Evidence: Boeing’s Q3 2025 earnings report indicated a 15% decrease in 737 MAX deliveries compared to the same period in 2024, citing the ongoing quality control issues. The company expects these issues to continue to impact deliveries in the first half of 2026.
International Regulatory Response
Following the FAA’s lead,other international aviation regulators,including the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and Transport Canada,have also lifted restrictions on the 737 MAX after verifying the implementation of the required software updates and pilot training.
Detail: EASA conducted its own self-reliant review of the MCAS system and approved the return to service of the 737 MAX in Europe. Transport Canada similarly conducted a thorough review and implemented its own set of safety requirements. However, some countries initially maintained stricter requirements than the FAA or EASA.
Example or Evidence: In February 2024, EASA issued
