FAA CLEARS BOEING B737 MAX TO FLY AGAIN

THE US FEDERAL Aviation Administration (FAA) has rescinded its order that halted the commercial operation of Boeing’s B737 Max 8 and Max 9 aircraft, paving the way for the plane to return to the skies. All Max aircraft worldwide have been grounded since March 2019 as result of two fatal crashes that killed 346 people.

In a statement Boeing said that an Airworthiness Directive issued by the FAA had detailed the steps that must be taken before US carriers can resume services with B737 Max aircraft, including “installing software enhancements, completing wire separation modifications, conducting pilot training and accomplishing thorough depreservation activities that will ensure the airplanes are ready for service”.

Similar directives are now expected to follow from European aviation officials.

Boeing said it had worked closely with airlines over the last 20 months, “providing them with detailed recommendations regarding long-term storage and ensuring their input was part of the effort to safely return the airplanes to service”.