Sunrise greets the 737 MAX 8 in Yuma, Ariz., where it flew for flight testing.

John Parker

Boeing announced today that the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has certified the 737 MAX 8 airplane for commercial service. Employees are now in the final stages of preparing for the first 737 MAX 8 delivery to customers in the coming months.

To earn certification for the 737 MAX 8, Boeing undertook a comprehensive test program that began just over one year ago with four airplanes, plus ground and laboratory testing. Following a rigorous certification process, the FAA granted Boeing an Amended Type Certificate for the 737 MAX 8, verifying the design complies with required aviation regulations and is safe and reliable.

"This certification is a true testament to the dedication and commitment of our entire MAX team throughout the process, from airplane design to flight testing," said Keith Leverkuhn, vice president and general manager, 737 MAX program, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "The Renton team looks forward to delivering superior efficiency, reliability and design to our customers as they start to receive their 737 MAX aircraft in the next few months."

The 737 MAX 8 is the first in the family to be developed. The 737 MAX 8 reduces fuel use and CO2 emissions by an additional 14 percent over today's most fuel-efficient single-aisle airplanes.

By Elizabeth Merida

Frozen tundra: As the moon peeks through nighttime clouds, the 737 MAX 8 sits on frozen ground, blanketed by frigid temperatures for cold-weather testing in Russia.

Bruce Birch