Boeing Says Looking At Mid-2020 To Return Grounded 737 MAX Into Operation - Statement

WASHINGTON (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 22nd January, 2020) Boeing said in a statement that it expects its grounded 737 MAX airplane to be approved to fly again around the middle of this year, subject to its ability to address known risks and rigorous scrutiny from regulators.

"We are informing our customers and suppliers that we are currently estimating that the ungrounding of the 737 MAX will begin during mid-2020," the statement said on Tuesday evening. "This updated estimate is informed by our experience to date with the certification process."

But the return of the 737 MAX, grounded for ten months now, was also subject to Boeing's ongoing attempts to address known schedule risks and further developments that may arise in connection with the certification process, the company said.

"It also accounts for the rigorous scrutiny that regulatory authorities are rightly applying at every step of their review of the 737 MAX's flight control system and the Joint Operations Evaluation Board process which determines pilot training requirements," the statement added.

The 737 MAX has been grounded by aviation authorities since March following two fatal crashes that killed 346 people on board. The investigation into the crashes revealed errors in the functioning of the jet's Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System.

Earlier on Tuesday, US media reported that Boeing had officially stopped producing the 737 MAX for an undetermined period of time as uncertainty and controversy continue to dodge the jet. The report said Boeing will not furlough or lay off workers because of the 737 MAX shutdown.