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Boeing 737 MAX: Status as of January 20, 2026
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This report details the status of the Boeing 737 MAX as of January 20, 2026, covering its return to service, ongoing investigations, and recent developments. Information is based on publicly available, verified sources as of this date.
Boeing 737 MAX Return to Service
The Boeing 737 MAX has been recertified for flight by the Federal Aviation Governance (FAA) and most international aviation authorities, with modifications to the Maneuvering Characteristics augmentation System (MCAS) and related pilot training requirements.
Following two fatal crashes in 2018 and 2019, the 737 MAX was grounded worldwide. The FAA issued a final rule on November 21, 2020, outlining the required changes. These included software enhancements to MCAS,revised flight crew operating manual guidance,and new pilot training. the grounding was officially lifted in the United States on December 29, 2020, but the process of returning the fleet to service was gradual.
As of January 20, 2026, approximately 99.8% of the global 737 MAX fleet is back in commercial service, according to Boeing’s latest delivery reports. Boeing Newsroom. Remaining aircraft are primarily undergoing final inspections and software updates.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) completed its examination into the Lion Air Flight 610 and Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 crashes, identifying a primary cause related to the MCAS system and Boeing’s initial design and certification process.
the NTSB’s final report, released in March 2019, detailed deficiencies in the design and evaluation of MCAS, as well as inadequate pilot training regarding the system. The report also criticized Boeing for not adequately informing pilots about the system’s operation and potential failure modes. NTSB Final Report (AM19FA060).
Multiple lawsuits were filed against Boeing by families of the victims. In February 2023, Boeing reached a $2.5 billion settlement with the U.S. Department of Justice to resolve a criminal charge of conspiracy to defraud the FAA.Department of Justice Press release. As of January 20, 2026, the majority of civil lawsuits have been settled, with ongoing cases primarily focused on individual claims and damages.
Department of Justice Settlement with Boeing
The $2.5 billion settlement with the Department of Justice included a $1.77 billion payment to airlines and $177 million to the families of the 346 victims. Boeing also agreed to establish a $500 million fund for non-party beneficiaries.
Boeing’s Safety Culture and Recent Changes
Following the 737 MAX crisis, Boeing has implemented changes aimed at improving its safety culture and engineering processes.
These changes include the creation of a new Product and Services Safety association, led by a Chief Aerospace Safety Officer who reports directly to the CEO. Boeing has also increased investment in engineering expertise and implemented more rigorous safety reviews throughout the design and certification process. Boeing Safety Website.
In December 2025, Boeing announced a restructuring of its engineering division, consolidating teams and increasing oversight of critical safety systems.This restructuring is expected to be fully implemented by the end of Q1 2026. Reuters Report on Boeing Restructuring.
Ongoing FAA Oversight
The FAA continues to provide ongoing oversight of Boeing and the 737 MAX, including regular audits of Boeing’s manufacturing facilities and engineering processes.
In January 2026, the FAA announced it will conduct a thorough review of Boeing’s safety management system, focusing on the company’s ability to identify and mitigate potential safety risks. The review is expected to be completed by June 2026. FAA News Update on Boeing Safety Review.
The FAA is also requiring Boeing to implement additional safety enhancements, including improved monitoring of MCAS performance and enhanced pilot training materials.
