Categories: BusinessLatest

China Satisfied with Boeing 737 MAX Changes, Seeks Industry Feedback

China’s aviation regulator has told airlines it is satisfied that design changes Boeing Co proposed for its 737 MAX plane could resolve safety problems, in a sign it is closer to lifting a more than two-year flight ban in Chinese skies.

The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) invited airlines to give feedback on a proposed airworthiness directive for the 737 MAX by Nov. 26, according to an undated notice seen by Reuters.

The directive outlines specific procedures for pilots to perform in case of problems similar to those that emerged in two deadly crashes before the plane’s grounding in March 2019. It also lists all the systems that must be functioning in order for the plane to be dispatched.

A return to the skies in China, the world’s biggest aircraft market, would be a major boon to Boeing. Broker Jefferies said in September an announcement would be worth a 5% boost to the stock price.

The United States and Europe last year sought industry feedback on similar proposed directives before ultimately approving the return of the 737 MAX.

CAAC’s notice said after a comprehensive review of the changes Boeing proposed, including to the design of the aviation control software and display system, it assessed the changes could remove the unsafe situations that led to the crashes.

The agency did not respond immediately to a request for comment on the notice. A Boeing spokesperson said the airline continued to work with regulators around the world to return the 737 MAX to service.

The aerospace giant has said the 737 MAX performed a successful test flight for CAAC in August.

Boeing Chief Executive David Calhoun said last month the company was working toward gaining Chinese approvals by the end of the year for the 737 MAX to fly, with deliveries expected to resume in the first quarter of 2022.

Around a third of about 370 undelivered 737 MAX airplanes in storage are for Chinese customers, Boeing said last month.

Before the 737 MAX was grounded, Boeing was selling one-quarter of the planes it built annually to Chinese buyers, its largest customer.

Other Asia-Pacific countries – including Singapore, Malaysia, India, Japan, Australia and Fiji – have already approved the return of the 737 MAX.

Beyond safety concerns, Boeing’s sales in China have been hobbled by U.S.-China trade tensions, with Washington accusing Beijing of blocking purchases of Boeing planes by its domestic airlines.

Follow us on:

AriseNews

Recent Posts

Nigeria, Brazil Sign MoU to Boost Agric-business in 774 LGAs by 2029

Nigeria and Brazil's FGV have signed an MoU to boost agribusiness, focusing on fertiliser, seeds,…

41 seconds ago

Air Peace Partners With Boeing, Cranfield University To Enhance Safety Culture, Operational Excellence

Air Peace is collaborating with Boeing and Cranfield University to drive aviation safety leadership, operational…

5 mins ago

Dangote, Nestle, NLNG Recognised for Impactful Investment in SDGs at 2024 NECA Awards

Dangote Industries Limited, Heirs Holdings, MTN Nigeria Plc, Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG), Tropical General…

13 mins ago

Tinubu Highlights Creative Economy as Key to Nigeria’s Economic Diversification

President Tinubu has highlighted creative economy as a key pillar of Nigeria’s economic diversification during…

39 mins ago

COP29 Sets $1.3trn Climate Finance Goal for Developing Countries by 2035

COP29 has set a historic $1.3trn climate finance goal by 2035, with a $300 billion…

41 mins ago

US Senator Threatens Sanctions on Nations Enforcing ICC Arrest Warrant Against Netanyahu

US Senator Lindsey Graham has warned UK, Canada and allies, of economic sanctions for enforcing…

42 mins ago