NEW YORK, Jan 9, 2026, 18:13 EST — After-hours
Boeing shares jumped $7.04, or 3.1%, to $234.53 in after-hours trading Friday, after the Federal Aviation Administration gave the 737 MAX 10 the green light to enter its second phase of flight testing, according to a source familiar with the program. The MAX 10, Boeing’s largest 737 model, holds over 1,200 orders and battles Airbus’s A321neo in the market. However, an engine deicing issue — which prevents ice buildup — continues to cloud the outlook for both the MAX 10 and the smaller MAX 7. “It’s progress, but until the MAX 10 is certified, it’s not,” said Scott Hamilton of the Leeham Company. During the session, Boeing’s shares fluctuated between $227.14 and $235.11. 1
For Boeing, certification is the hurdle. Without FAA approval, the company can’t hand over planes to airlines or convert those unfinished jets into revenue.
Investors are zeroing in on that key issue. Boeing will release its fourth-quarter results on Jan. 27, with CEO Kelly Ortberg and CFO Jay Malave set to discuss the company’s outlook during a conference call at 10:30 a.m. ET. 2
Alaska Air Group just inked a massive deal for 105 MAX 10s and five 787-10 Dreamliners, plus options for 35 additional MAX 10s—marking the largest aircraft order in its history. Boeing, still grappling with the aftermath of a door-plug panel blowout on an Alaska flight two years ago, faces pressure to deliver. Ortberg, speaking at the deal announcement event, emphasized, “We need to perform,” while Alaska CEO Ben Minicucci vowed the airline will “compete against the Big Three and win.” 3
Traders are zeroed in on whether Boeing can maintain a smooth course for the MAX 10 moving forward. Any new design tweaks or regulatory hurdles could stall progress, pushing the timeline into yet another quarter of delays.
The certification process isn’t straightforward, and Boeing can’t afford more delays. If the anti-ice issues stall progress, airlines might extend the life of older planes, opt for different models, or shift more aggressively toward Airbus — moves that usually become permanent.
The next milestone for the stock arrives soon. Investors are eyeing Boeing’s Jan. 27 earnings report for fresh details on the MAX 10 and MAX 7 schedules, production pace, and cash flow projections. 4
