Westjet CEO expects 737 Max to fly by early 2020

CHICAGO/CALGARY Boeing Co.’s 737 Max could be cleared to fly by early February in Canada as regulators work with their counterparts in the U.S. and Europe to re-certify the grounded jet, according to the head of Canada’s second-biggest airline.

Regulators are on track to lift the flying ban worldwide early in 2020, Ed Sims, chief executive of Westjet Airlines Ltd., said. His comments echoed European authorities last week who described an effort to provide a “worldwide synchronous” return for the Max. Boeing ’s best-selling model was banned from commercial flight in March after two crashes killed 346 people.

The sometimes fractious relationships among safety authorities, and recent tensions between the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration and Boeing, have complicated the unprecedented review of the Max’s safety. Eight months into the grounding, the timing of the plane’s return remains a guessing game — to the frustration of airlines.

“They have a number of issues that they’re still looking to resolve, and the issues are different for each regulator,” Sims said. Issues for the European Union Aviation Safety Agency, or EASA, can be slightly different from issues that concern the FAA, he said. “So we would like the world’s regulators to move in unison, and we think, and we believe, that will be sometime in the first quarter of next year.”

Earlier this year, there were hints that Transport Canada might take months longer than U.S. regulators to conduct reviews and clear the Max for flight. While the FAA has lead oversight of the U.s.-made jet, the agency’s reputation has been battered by accusations of overly cosy ties to Boeing.

Westjet is in daily contact with Canadian regulators, Boeing and the FAA as they work on the final milestones to certify revised flight-control software, Sims said.

Canada’s second-largest Max operator has taken the aircraft out of its schedules through Feb. 4, while U.S. airlines aren’t planning to resume flights until March.

Asked if a February comeback for the Max is possible in Canada, Sims replied: “That’s what we’re working with them to do. Ultimately, it’s entirely their decision.”

The budget carrier has performed weekly engine runs on its stored aircraft to ensure they are in “tip top condition,” and is studying how best to win back hesitant customers, the CEO said.