US Transportation Chief Seeks Faster FAA Certification for New Aircraft, Citing China Competition

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said Wednesday he wants to accelerate certification of new airplanes from Boeing and other manufacturers, warning that China could overtake the US without faster approvals. "Where's the new innovation in aviation from the big producers? It doesn't happen because it's so hard to certify," Duffy said at a Washington event. Approving a new airplane can take five or more years. He warned private capital will not fund innovation if approvals take a decade. The FAA in June proposed changes to modernize and speed certification. Boeing took over eight years to win approval for the smaller 737 MAX 7, cleared in August, while 777X certification runs more than five years behind schedule. The effort could benefit Boeing, Airbus, Embraer and Bombardier. Duffy also urged more commercial space entrants.