By Sam Michael
September 26, 2025
Boeing’s shares just rocketed nearly 4% in pre-market trading today, fueled by the FAA’s bold move to ease long-standing 737 Max restrictions. This shift could unlock faster production and deliveries, breathing new life into America’s aerospace powerhouse.
In a pivotal announcement, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed it will restore some certification authority to Boeing starting September 29. This comes amid ongoing efforts to rebuild trust following the tragic 2018 and 2019 737 Max crashes that claimed 346 lives and led to a global grounding. Boeing 737 Max, FAA restrictions, Boeing stock, 737 Max production, and airworthiness certificates—these trending buzzwords dominate headlines as investors cheer the news, with shares climbing from around $214 to over $220 in early trading.
Background: From Crisis to Cautious Comeback
Boeing’s 737 Max saga began with software flaws in the Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System (MCAS), prompting intense scrutiny. The FAA revoked Boeing’s ability to issue airworthiness certificates in 2020, forcing agency inspectors to handle every final sign-off. This bottleneck slowed deliveries and hammered the company’s bottom line, contributing to a $33 billion loss since 2019.
Fast production ramps stalled under a 38-per-month cap imposed in January 2024 after a door plug blowout on an Alaska Airlines flight. Boeing has struggled to hit even that target consistently, delivering just 220 aircraft year-to-date through August 2025—mostly 737 Max jets.
The FAA’s Game-Changing Decision
Under the new plan, Boeing and FAA inspectors will alternate issuing airworthiness certificates for select 737 Max and 787 Dreamliner planes. This hybrid approach starts next week, aiming to slash delays without fully relinquishing oversight.
“FAA’s confidence in Boeing’s quality improvements is evident,” said aviation analyst Richard Aboulafia in a recent interview with Reuters. “It’s a pragmatic step that balances safety with efficiency, potentially adding hundreds of millions to Boeing’s revenue stream.”
The agency emphasized continued audits and unannounced inspections to ensure compliance. This easing also paves the way for lifting the production cap entirely, a move analysts predict by year-end if milestones are met.
Stock Surge and Investor Optimism
Wall Street wasted no time celebrating. Boeing’s stock, which has rebounded 25% year-to-date after a brutal 2024 strike, spiked on the news. Trading volume surged, with options activity hinting at bets on further gains.
Public reactions on social media echo the bullish vibe. “Finally, some good news for $BA—time to fly high again!” tweeted investor @schaeffers, capturing the sentiment among retail traders. X posts flooded with excitement over faster deliveries to airlines like Southwest and United, key U.S. carriers.
Experts like JPMorgan’s Seth Seifman noted, “This removes a major overhang, signaling Boeing’s turnaround is accelerating.” Shares closed Friday at $213.53 but opened strong, reflecting broader market relief amid cooling inflation data.
Impacts on American Workers and Economy
For U.S. readers, this spells tangible wins. Boeing employs over 170,000 Americans, mostly in Washington state, where the 737 Max assembles. Eased FAA restrictions could spur hiring, stabilizing communities hit hard by layoffs—over 10,000 jobs cut since 2023.
Economically, faster 737 Max production means quicker supply to airlines, potentially curbing fare hikes. With air travel booming post-pandemic, this supports 5 million U.S. aviation jobs and bolsters exports, a $100 billion annual boon.
Technology-wise, it underscores America’s edge in aerospace innovation. Politically, it eases pressure on the Biden administration, which faced bipartisan calls for Boeing accountability. No direct sports tie-in, but think of it as the NFL’s star quarterback returning from injury—vital for the league’s (and economy’s) momentum.
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Looking Ahead: Challenges Remain
Despite the uplift, Boeing must navigate supply chain snarls and a DOJ criminal probe tied to the crashes. CEO Kelly Ortberg, who took the helm in August, vows transparency: “Safety first, always.”
As Boeing 737 Max, FAA restrictions, Boeing stock, 737 Max production, and airworthiness certificates continue trending, watch for Q3 earnings on October 23. If deliveries hit 100+ jets this quarter, analysts forecast shares could test $250 by 2026.
This FAA thaw marks a turning point, positioning Boeing for sustained growth while prioritizing passenger safety. The future looks brighter for the skies—and Wall Street.