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Boeing stock surged on Friday following reports that the Federal Aviation Administration is preparing to ease production restrictions on the company’s 737 MAX aircraft. The regulatory development marks a significant milestone for the aerospace giant, which has faced heightened scrutiny and operational limitations since safety incidents involving the aircraft model. The anticipated changes could provide Boeing with greater operational flexibility and potentially accelerate aircraft deliveries to airlines worldwide.
FAA Moves to Ease Oversight on 737 MAX Certification
The Federal Aviation Administration is set to ease restrictions on Boeing’s 737 MAX production and restore some certification authority to the company starting next week, according to multiple reports. Under the new arrangement, Boeing will regain the ability to issue airworthiness certificates for some 737 MAX and 787 aircraft, with the FAA and Boeing alternating responsibility on a weekly basis. This represents a significant shift from the current system where the FAA has maintained direct oversight of each aircraft before delivery.
The regulatory changes come after years of intensified FAA supervision following the 737 MAX’s troubled history, including two fatal crashes in 2018 and 2019, and a more recent cabin door blowout incident on an Alaska Airlines flight in January 2024. However, the FAA has maintained the existing production cap of 38 aircraft per month that was implemented following the Alaska Airlines incident. The restoration of some certification authority suggests growing regulatory confidence in Boeing’s safety protocols and quality control measures.
Boeing’s ability to resume some self-certification responsibilities could streamline the delivery process and reduce bottlenecks that have constrained production output. The aerospace manufacturer has been working to rebuild trust with regulators and customers while managing a substantial order backlog from airlines seeking to expand or modernize their fleets in the post-pandemic recovery period.
Boeing Shares Rally on Investor Optimism
Boeing shares responded positively to the regulatory news, rising 4.21% to $222.46 as of 9:05 AM EDT on Friday, following the previous day’s close at $213.53. The stock had declined 0.73% in the regular session on Thursday, but the premarket surge reflects investor optimism about the potential operational improvements. Year-to-date, Boeing has delivered solid returns with a 20.64% gain, outpacing the broader market despite ongoing challenges in its operations.
The company’s stock performance has been volatile throughout 2024 and 2025, reflecting the complex interplay of production issues, regulatory oversight, and market demand for commercial aircraft. Boeing currently trades with a market capitalization of approximately $161.46 billion and maintains analyst price targets ranging from $150 to $287, with an average target of $253.64. The regulatory developments could provide a catalyst for the stock to move toward the higher end of analyst expectations.
Recent months have seen Boeing secure significant new orders, including deals with Turkish Airlines and Norwegian Group, which have helped support investor sentiment despite ongoing operational challenges. The combination of a strong order backlog, improving regulatory relationships, and the potential for increased production efficiency positions Boeing for what analysts view as a potential recovery trajectory, though execution risks remain given the company’s recent history of operational difficulties.
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