NEW YORK, Jan 22, 2026, 18:14 EST — After-hours
- Boeing shares climbed 0.5%, closing at $251.41 in late trading
- The FAA administrator confirmed Boeing must complete certification tasks for the MAX 7 and MAX 10 models.
- Investors are turning their attention to Boeing’s Jan. 27 report for the latest on deliveries and cash flow
Boeing shares closed 0.5% higher at $251.41 in late U.S. trade Thursday. Investors digested new clues on the prolonged certification process for two 737 MAX variants. During the session, the stock fluctuated between $249.82 and $254.09.
This is a critical hurdle for Boeing since FAA certification—the official go-ahead to carry passengers—is required before it can deliver the MAX 7 and MAX 10. Both have faced repeated delays, and each quarter they remain uncertified adds strain to production timelines, supplier commitments, and airline fleet deployment.
Traders are gearing up for Boeing’s quarterly report next week, with sharp questions likely on delivery schedules and the pace at which it can ramp up production without risking fresh quality or regulatory issues.
FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford insisted Wednesday that the agency isn’t holding up approval of the MAX 7 and MAX 10. “Boeing still has to do their work,” he said. Boeing points to an engine de-icing problem for the delays and is also dealing with setbacks on its 777X widebody certification, Reuters reports. The company aims to finish certification of both MAX versions in 2026. It currently has over 1,200 MAX 10 orders, with Alaska Airlines alone ordering 105 MAX 10 jets this month, according to Reuters. Reuters
Ethiopian Airlines has placed an order for nine Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, aiming to expand its long-haul network, the company announced Tuesday. It also finalized the purchase of 11 previously committed 737 MAX jets. “We will continue to acquire more aircraft,” CEO Mesfin Tasew said, as carriers seek fuel-efficient widebodies to meet international travel demand. Reuters
Boeing scored a smaller yet significant defense boost as the U.S. State Department approved a potential $2.3 billion deal to sell maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft along with lightweight torpedoes to Singapore. The Pentagon confirmed Boeing is the main contractor on the sale.
Boeing announced earlier this month that it will report its fourth-quarter results on Jan. 27. CEO Kelly Ortberg and CFO Jay Malave are set to review the earnings and outlook during a conference call at 10:30 a.m. ET.
Bulls face a familiar threat: certification deadlines keep slipping, and fresh technical issues or FAA objections could make airlines shuffle their fleets once more — hitting Boeing’s production and delivery goals hard. Any setback with the MAX 7/10 could also cast doubt on the 777X timeline.
On Jan. 27, investors will zero in on Boeing’s earnings, looking for updates on delivery pace, cash flow, and the latest timeline for FAA approval of the MAX 7 and MAX 10 models.
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