Boeing 737 MAX not expected to fly before October, FAA preparing directive

[Eugene]

Source: Reuters

BUSINESS NEWS JULY 21, 2020 / 12:39 PM / UPDATED 25 MINUTES AGO

Boeing 737 MAX not expected to fly before October, FAA preparing directive

David Shepardson
3 MIN READ

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said on Tuesday it plans to issue a proposed airworthiness directive for the Boeing 737 MAX in the “near future” to address changes made since the plane was grounded in March 2019 after two fatal crashes killed 346 people.

An official briefed on the matter told Reuters that the FAA is unlikely to unground the 737 MAX before sometime in October. Boeing Co (BA.N) did not immediately comment but has said previously it expects to resume deliveries before Sept. 30 following regulatory approval.

The crisis has cost Boeing more than $18 billion, slashed production and hobbled its supply chain, with criminal and congressional investigations still ongoing.

The FAA said the public will have 45 days to comment on “proposed design changes and crew procedures to mitigate the safety issues identified during the investigations that followed the Lion Air and Ethiopian Airlines accidents.” The FAA noted there are still some key steps before the plane can resume commercial service.

-snip-

Read more: https://www.reuters.com/article/us-boeing-737max/boeing-737-max-not-expected-to-fly-before-october-faa-preparing-directive-idUSKCN24M2EE

[Sherman A1]

1. With the travel industry in the shape it currently finds itself

There is really no reason at all to be in any hurry. I don't see the need for these (or likely any) new aircraft for a very long time.