The head of Brazil’s aviation regulatory agency anticipates that U.S. authorities will approve the Boeing 737 MAX 10 aircraft before 2024 concludes, with Brazilian officials prepared to rapidly validate that decision domestically.
Tiago Faierstein, who leads ANAC, shared his outlook during discussions with Reuters at a global airline industry conference held in Rio de Janeiro this Monday. The approval process for the MAX 10 has experienced significant delays, making certification crucial for Boeing and airlines including Brazilian carrier Gol, which relies on this largest version of the 737 series for its expansion strategy.
“Because that is an FAA timeline, I can’t really comment, but I strongly believe it will happen this year,” Faierstein stated during the interview conducted alongside the airline executives’ meeting.
“We will work to make it quick here as well. We know Gol really needs these aircraft,” he added.
Both ANAC and the Federal Aviation Administration participate in the Certification Management Team, an international group that also encompasses European and Canadian regulatory bodies.
The aircraft manufacturer has encountered setbacks in obtaining approval for both its MAX 7 and MAX 10 variants, stemming from complications related to engine de-icing systems.
After traveling to the United States in May, Faierstein also advocated for enhanced collaboration between Brazilian and American officials regarding certification of electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, a new category of aviation technology.
Brazil has gained an early advantage in developing these battery-powered vehicles through Embraer’s Eve division, which aims to create aircraft capable of transporting passengers on brief urban journeys while avoiding ground traffic congestion.
Eve has recently adjusted its service launch timeline, moving the target from 2027 to 2028, following an earlier postponement from the original 2026 goal.
Faierstein described the updated schedule as achievable given the complexity of establishing the necessary infrastructure, including charging stations, pilot certification programs, and air traffic management protocols.
“Regarding the aircraft process, we are very confident. Embraer is making progress and the tests have been successful. The issue is the ecosystem,” the ANAC head explained.
