Boeing CEO: 737 MAX Could be 'Phased' Back Into Service by Regulators

Wed, 19 Mar 2025

Boeing CEO: 737 MAX Could be 'Phased' Back Into Service by Regulators

Voice of America
12 Sep 2019, 01:05 GMT+10

Boeing CEO: 737 MAX Could be 'Phased' Back Into Service by Regulators

NEW YORK - Boeing's 737 MAX could be brought back into service gradually by government regulators but is still on track to be cleared to fly again in 2019, the company's CEO said Wednesday.

"A phased ungrounding is a possibility," Boeing Chief Executive Dennis Muilenburg said at an investor conference in California.

The aircraft has been grounded since mid-March following two deadly crashes but could return to the air on a staggered schedule in different countries.

Muilenburg said the company is still working through a number of questions with the US Federal Aviation Administration and other regulators but that "all of that work supports our timeline for an early fourth quarter return to service."

The company is addressing questions from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency, which has expressed concerns about pilot training requirements and about a malfunction of the "angle of attack" which triggered an anti-stall system linked to the deadly crashes of Lion Air and Ethiopian Airlines planes.

"I wouldn't see those as divisive," Muilenburg said of the EASA queries. "I just think those are questions that we need to answer as part of the process."

Boeing has cut production of the 737 MAX from 52 to 42 per month due to the grounding and said in July it could cut production further or even temporarily halt output if the grounding drags out much longer.

Muilenburg said the company still viewed a temporary shutdown as a possibility under certain scenarios, but that "our bias right now is to maintain a stable rate at 42 a month."

Watch latest videos

News RELEASES

Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to Irish Sun.

More Information

null in null

International

Section

Bird flu vaccines could curb outbreaks, but export fears stall plans

Vaccinating poultry could help cut egg prices, but US still hesitant

OMAHA, Nebraska: Vaccines could help stop bird flu and prevent the mass killing of chickens, which has driven egg prices up to nearly...

Israel resumes war on Gazan Strip

Israel breaks ceasefire, launches explosive attacks on Gaza

In spectacular fashion, Israel has upended peace talks and brought to a dramatic end the ceasefire that had paused 15-months of carnage...

45 universities under probe by Trump administration for race policies

Trump administration probes 45 universities on race policies

WASHINGTON, D.C.: The U.S. Department of Education is investigating 45 universities for possible violations of civil rights laws. ...

Gold surges past $3,000 amid global uncertainty

Gold vaults $3,000 in rush for safety from market, political worries

WASHINGTON, D.C.: Gold prices have shattered the US$3,000 per ounce barrier for the first time, driven by escalating geopolitical tensions...

Trump administration pushes food firms to drop artificial dyes

RFK Jr. tells US food companies to ban artificial dyes

NEW YORK CITY, New York: The Trump administration is pressuring major food companies to remove artificial dyes from their products,...

Lawmakers debate military expansion amid European security fears

Germany weighs easing debt rules to boost defense spending

BERLIN, Germany: German Lawmakers are debating whether to loosen the country's strict borrowing rules to fund military expansion. ...

Europe

Section

Dublin thrives in colorful St. Patrick’s Day celebrations

Thousands line streets of Dublin for St Patrick's Day parade

DUBLIN, Ireland: Dublin came alive with energy and color as thousands lined the streets to celebrate St. Patrick's Day, soaking in...

Ireland Border counties spend 1.6 million euros to clean diesel waste

2 Ireland counties spent over 1.6 million euros to clean toxic sludge

DUBLIN, Ireland: Authorities in two border counties have spent over 1.6 million euros in the past five years cleaning up toxic waste...

Ireland’s PM: EU finally acknowledging regulatory burden

EU leaders recognize need to cut red tape, says Ireland's PM

DUBLIN, Ireland: The need to reduce regulatory burdens in the European Union is finally being acknowledged, according to Ireland's...

Lawmakers debate military expansion amid European security fears

Germany weighs easing debt rules to boost defense spending

BERLIN, Germany: German Lawmakers are debating whether to loosen the country's strict borrowing rules to fund military expansion. ...

Spotify paid a record $10 billion in music royalties in 2024

Spotify says it paid $10 billion in royalties in 2024

STOCKHOLM, Sweden: Spotify set a new milestone in 2024, paying out US$10 billion in royalties—the highest annual payout to the music...

Trump shows strong interest in Northern Ireland, says Deputy FM

Trump takes 'huge interest' in Northern Ireland

BELFAST, Northern Ireland: U.S. President Donald Trump expressed strong interest in Northern Ireland during discussions at a high-profile...

Movie Review

Three Ages [Blu-Ray]