By David Shepardson

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Boeing (NYSE:) Co was warned earlier in the week by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration. The FAA advised Boeing (NYSE:) Co that certification for a modified 737 MAX may be delayed due to a crucial safety deadline.

According to an insider familiar with the matter, Ian Won was the acting manager for the FAA’s aviation safety office, which oversees Boeing. He asked that the U.S. aircraftmaker provide a “mature certificate schedule” in a March 21 letter. Won wanted to know the status of both the 737 MAX 10 (and 777-9) projects.

The designs for both airliner types are in development. They will need to be certified before they can go into service.

Won stated that “Regarding the Boeing Model 737-10 Program maturity”, the FAA fears it will not be able to comply with the 2020 directive.

Won wrote about the 2020 Aircraft Certification, Safety and Accountability Act, which reforms the FAA’s certification process for new aircraft. This law puts a December 2022 deadline to enact a new safety standard regarding cockpit alerts.

The deadline can be extended only by Congress if FAA doesn’t certify the 737 MAX 10. before the year ends.

According to Reuters, Boeing raised concerns with lawmakers about the possible impact of the plane’s denial on production and jobs.

The 737 MAX 10 is larger than previous narrow-body 737 MAX aircraftliners. The original 777X design, the 777-9 is a wide-body aircraftft.

Boeing received a May 2021 letter from the FAA stating that it wouldn’t certify the Boeing 777X until the mid- or late 2023.

Boeing announced Thursday that the company continues to “work transparently with FAA to provide all the information needed and remains committed to fulfilling their expectations.” This includes regarding the 777-9 and 737-10 certificates.

The Seattle Times first reported https://www.union-bulletin.com/seattle_times/faa-tells-boeing-it-doubts-max-10-will-meet-safety-standard-deadline/article_a549d7f4-a780-5335-99f2-4d22125de908.html the existence of the letter.

Boeing was asked by FAA for information on when it expects to update its timelines for important milestones that will be required before planes become commercially certified.

Won said that existing certifications schedules for 737 MAX 10 (and 777-9) “are obsolete and don’t reflect current program activities,” as stated by the source.

Boeing did not respond to a question about an updated schedule. It stated that it does not have any updates beyond its previous estimates. We are working to provide official documentation of specific milestones within the certification program in accordance with the FAA’s request.”

On Thursday, the FAA stated that it doesn’t comment on current certification projects.