New York, January 22, 2026, 12:11 (EST) — Regular session
- Boeing shares climbed midday after investors processed new FAA remarks on the long-delayed 737 MAX variants
- A separate potential sale to Singapore approved by the U.S. lists Boeing as the principal contractor
Boeing shares climbed 1.4% to $253.48 in midday trading Thursday in New York. FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford told reporters the agency isn’t holding up certification for the 737 MAX 7 and MAX 10 jets, saying, “I don’t think FAA is the roadblock on 7 and the -10 certification.” He added that Boeing still needs to complete the necessary work. Boeing did not immediately reply to requests for comment. Reuters
This matters because certification is the green light from regulators allowing an aircraft to start passenger service. Without it, airlines can’t accept deliveries and Boeing can’t convert those orders into revenue, even if the sales are already on the books.
The MAX 7 and MAX 10 represent the extremes of Boeing’s 737 lineup, and both have faced delays. Investors see approval milestones as crucial tests of whether Boeing can finally steady deliveries after years of turmoil.
Aside from certification updates, Boeing faces the challenge of ramping up production. The MAX 10 will be built on a new assembly line in Everett, Washington, since its length makes it impractical to manufacture alongside other 737 models in Renton, where the company has produced 737s for decades.
Boeing’s defense division grabbed headlines again this week. The U.S. State Department gave the green light to a possible $2.3 billion deal with Singapore for maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft, lightweight torpedoes, and related gear. The Pentagon has tapped Boeing as the main contractor for the sale.
That type of approval doesn’t guarantee a signed contract, and timelines often slip. Yet defense projects can help steady results when commercial deliveries face delays from regulatory hurdles or factory issues.
The risk for bulls is that “not the roadblock” doesn’t mean “done.” Bedford was clear: Boeing still needs to complete the fixes and documentation, and the FAA has made it clear they won’t speed things up.
Headline risk remains a concern. A fresh quality issue or tougher regulatory action could once more throttle deliveries or halt production, and such developments usually hit Boeing’s stock sentiment fast.
Boeing is set to report its fourth-quarter earnings on Tuesday, January 27. CEO Kelly Ortberg and CFO Jay Malave will host a conference call with investors at 10:30 a.m. ET to discuss the results and answer questions.
Traders will be eyeing that call for clues on delivery schedules and cash flow — and hoping for a clearer timeline on the MAX 7 and MAX 10 certification, which has left airlines and shareholders in suspense.
