Reuters reports that three sources said the FAA will lift its grounding order on the Boeing 737 Max 7 as early as November 18. FAA Administrator Steve Dickson said he expects “this process will be finished in the coming days, once the agency is satisfied that Boeing has addressed” the safety issued involved in the two fatal crashes that killed 246 people. Other global regulators are close to allowing the plane to soon resume flights as well.
Full Story (Reuters)
Tag: 737 MAX
American Airlines Looking to Boost Public Confidence In Boeing 737 MAX Ahead of Recertification
CNBC reported that American Airlines COO David Seymour said during a town hall last week that the company sees the “finish line” approaching in the FAA’s recertification of the 737 MAX. The airline “is planning to start flights with employees after Thanksgiving, estimating the FAA will lift the flight ban in mid-November, Seymour said.” American “is planning offer some customers a chance after Thanksgiving to see the aircraft in person at airports, including Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, LaGuardia and Miami, with the participation of pilots and mechanics.” The airline is planning to fly customers on the 737 MAX starting December 29.
Full Story (CNBC)
Boeing, Alaska Airlines in Talks Over Potential 737 MAX Order
Reuters reports that The Boeing Company “is in discussions with Alaska Air for a potential deal to buy 737 MAX jets once the plane returns to service following a lengthy grounding, three people familiar with the matter said.”
Full Story (Reuters)
Ryanair, Boeing In Talks Over 737 MAX Order
Bloomberg reported that Ryanair Holdings “is reported to be in talks to purchase between 150 and 200 Boeing Co. 737 Max aircraft, in a deal that would boost confidence in the grounded jet as it prepares for a return to service.” Ryanair “is discussing a mix of Max 200s, the version it has already ordered, and the bigger Max 10, the Irish Independent reported Friday.” A “purchase of that size would total at least $18.7 billion at list prices, making it the biggest plane order in a 2020 market.” The order “would also provide a morale-builder to Boeing as it brings its most popular jet back into commercial use.” Ryanair “currently has 135 737 Max-200s on order, plus another 75 options, according to its website.”
Full Story (Bloomberg)
FAA Administrator to Test Fly Boeing 737 MAX This Week
Airways reported that on Friday, the FAA “confirmed that the Boeing 737 MAX will undergo flight tests next week, including one piloted by FAA Administrator and former Delta Air Lines (DL) Pilot Steve Dickson.” In a statement, the FAA said that Dickson and FAA Deputy Administrator Dan Elwell “will be in Seattle” this week “to take the recommended training that the JOEB (Joint Operations Evaluation Board) evaluated. Following the simulator training, Administrator Dickson is tentatively scheduled to pilot a Boeing 737 MAX on September 30, 2020, fulfilling his promise to fly the aircraft before the FAA approves its return to service.”
Full Story (Airways)
EASA Executive Director Sees November Ungrounding of Boeing 737 MAX
Reuters reports that The Boeing Company’s grounded 737 MAX could “receive regulatory approval to resume flying in November and enter service by the end of the year, Europe’s chief aviation safety regulator said on Friday.” European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Executive Director Patrick Ky said, “For the first time in year and a half I can say there’s an end in sight to work on the MAX.” EASA “expects to lift its technical ban ‘not long’ after the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration, probably in November, but national operational clearances needed for individual airlines to resume flying in Europe could take longer, he said.
Full Story (Reuters)