Skyward Resurgence: Chinese Airlines Fully Restore Boeing 737 MAX Operations in 2023
BEIJING/SEOUL, Dec 29 (Reuters) — In a significant milestone for aviation, Boeing's China head announced on Friday that all Boeing 737 MAX jets operated by Chinese carriers have returned to service as of the end of 2023. This marks a pivotal moment nearly a year after their resumption globally, following a grounding in 2019 prompted by fatal crashes in Indonesia and Ethiopia.
The best-selling Boeing model underwent modifications and pilot training before gradually returning to service worldwide from late 2020. However, Chinese airlines only reintroduced the 737 MAX in January 2023. Boeing China CEO Liu Qing shared the news on Chinese social media, confirming the resumption of operations for nearly 100 planes within the China civil aviation fleet.
The culmination of the 737 MAX's revival in China coincides with Boeing's ongoing preparatory activities and flight tests on several 737 MAX jets designated for Chinese customers. This has sparked speculation about a potential restart of MAX deliveries to China, which have been on hold since 2019. Resuming these deliveries would not only signify a breakthrough in Boeing's relationship with China but also carry financial implications, allowing the aerospace giant to collect payments for numerous Chinese MAX planes in its inventory.
Boeing's recent direct delivery of a 787 Dreamliner to China, the first since 2019, is seen as a positive indicator, potentially signaling the end of the freeze on 737 MAX deliveries imposed by Beijing. The company has also delivered eight 777 freighters to Chinese customers through November, according to Boeing data.
Despite being entangled in challenges since 2017 due to Sino-U.S. trade tensions, Boeing is making strides to rebuild its relationship with China. However, the company faces a new challenge as it instructs airlines to inspect all MAX planes for a possible loose bolt in the rudder control system, following findings on two planes. Airlines like Ryanair, Southwest Airlines, and FlyDubai are conducting inspections, reassuring that these checks will not disrupt their scheduled operations.
The aviation industry watches closely as Boeing navigates both technical concerns and diplomatic intricacies, striving to regain its foothold in the Chinese market and foster a renewed era of collaboration.
Ensuring Safety at Every Altitude: Transparency in Aircraft Inspections
In response to Boeing's recent directive instructing airlines to check all 737 MAX planes for a potential loose bolt in the rudder control system, airlines are actively conducting inspections to uphold safety standards. A spokesperson reassured that any findings during these inspections would be meticulously reported through the airlines' Safety Management System.
This commitment to transparency and adherence to safety protocols underscores the aviation industry's unwavering dedication to passenger safety. As the inspections unfold, the collaborative efforts of airlines, regulatory bodies, and aircraft manufacturers aim to address potential issues promptly and maintain the highest standards of air travel safety.
Reporting by Sophie Yu in Beijing, Lisa Barrington in Seoul, and Valerie Insinna in Washington; Editing by Tom Hogue, Jamie Freed, and Mark Porter.
As the aviation industry navigates the intricacies of Boeing's recent directive to inspect all 737 MAX planes for potential issues in the rudder control system, a resolute commitment to safety and transparency emerges. Airlines, in cooperation with regulatory bodies, are actively engaging in inspections, ensuring that any findings are reported through robust Safety Management Systems.
This collaborative effort underscores the industry's unwavering dedication to maintaining the highest standards of safety for air travel. The proactive approach to addressing potential concerns reflects a shared commitment among airlines, manufacturers, and regulatory authorities to prioritize passenger safety above all else.
As the aviation community navigates these inspections, the diligence displayed in addressing technical matters reaffirms the industry's collective pledge to transparency and safety. The ongoing collaboration and communication pave the way for a safer and more secure future in air travel.
Reporting by Sophie Yu in Beijing, Lisa Barrington in Seoul, and Valerie Insinna in Washington; Editing by Tom Hogue, Jamie Freed, and Mark Porter. Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.
