New York, Jan 11, 2026, 16:32 EST — Market closed.
- Boeing shares rose 3.1% on Friday following the 737 MAX 10’s advance into a new FAA flight-test phase.
- The FAA issued a proposed directive addressing cracking in older 737NG wing structures, with a deadline for comments set for Feb. 26.
- Focus shifts to Boeing’s Jan. 27 earnings for fresh details on certification, deliveries, and cash flow.
Boeing NYSE:BA shares jumped 3.1% to close at $234.53 on Friday after a source close to the program revealed the Federal Aviation Administration has greenlit the 737 MAX 10 — which boasts over 1,200 orders — to enter the second phase of certification flight tests. The approval came despite an unresolved engine de-icing problem; both Boeing and the FAA declined to comment. “It’s progress, but until the MAX 10 is certified, it’s not,” said Scott Hamilton, aerospace analyst at Leeham, noting Boeing still lacks a clear route to begin MAX 10 production at its Everett, Washington plant. Reuters
The MAX 10 is crucial to Boeing’s narrowbody comeback, and investors remain focused on whether the company can convert approvals into actual deliveries. In commercial aerospace, cash flow tracks handovers—not test flights.
The FAA process is technical, but from an investor’s perspective, it boils down to one thing: certification is the gatekeeper. Without it, Boeing can’t deliver the MAX 10 to airlines or kick off the full production schedule it’s laid out.
Boeing secured FAA approval to boost 737 MAX production to 42 jets monthly, aiming to tackle airline shortages and ramp up after years of tight supply. What’s left now is getting the green light for the still-uncertified models, like the MAX 10, to join that increase.
Regulators issued a fresh warning this weekend about legacy fleets throwing unexpected challenges. The FAA proposed a new airworthiness directive targeting Boeing 737-700, -800, -900, and -900ER models following reports of cracks in the outward lower wing skin. The directive mandates inspections and ongoing checks, with comments open until Feb. 26.
An airworthiness directive is a safety order requiring operators to inspect, repair, or replace specific parts. It doesn’t directly challenge Boeing’s MAX certification push but keeps scrutiny on engineering fixes and regulatory oversight—right when Boeing can least afford setbacks.
The bigger risk remains timing. Should the de-icing issue trigger additional redesigns or testing, certification could be delayed once more, shifting deliveries and cash flows further down the line—and giving Airbus an edge in the fiercely competitive single-aisle sector.
On Friday, Boeing was a major contributor to the Dow’s climb, underscoring how sensitive the stock is to even small updates on its programs.
Boeing is set to report its fourth-quarter results on Tuesday, Jan. 27. CEO Kelly Ortberg and CFO Jay Malave will review the numbers and outlook during a 10:30 a.m. ET call.
Analysts polled by Yahoo Finance forecast Boeing will post a 42-cent per share loss in its upcoming report. Investors will zero in on any updated timelines for the MAX 10 and MAX 7 models, along with management’s take on delivery trends and cash flow prospects heading into 2026.
Markets reopen Monday, with investors watching closely for progress on the FAA testing step and signs of a clearer certification path. Boeing’s earnings report and call on Jan. 27 will be the next major catalyst.
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