The Globe and Mail reports in its Tuesday, Aug. 4, edition that the United States Federal Aviation Administration has approved Boeing's 737 Max 7. A Reuters dispatch to The Globe reports that Boeing has waited years to sell this smaller version of its best-selling airplane. Boeing faced a stricter certification process following two fatal Max 8 crashes in 2018 and 2019. The FAA mandated Boeing to implement crucial improvements and recommendations from the National Transportation Safety Board, including updates to flight-control software, crew alerting systems, and a redesigned engine anti-ice system, after nearly a decade of review. Reuters says Boeing's certification was years behind schedule. At one point, Boeing had said it expected the plane to be approved before the end of 2022. Boeing said on Monday that preparations are under way to support first deliveries. The Max 7 offers 135 to 160 seats while providing about 10 per cent more range potential than other Max planes. The Boeing 737 Max 7 began testing in 2018. Boeing and Southwest Airlines, the 737 Max 7 launch customer, are preparing for delivery of the first airplane.