US Authorities Allow Resumption of Flights for Boeing 737 with Manufacturing Defect

A Significant Period Expected Until Actual Flight Resumption

[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] The U.S. government on the 18th (local time) authorized the resumption of operations for Boeing's 737 Max model, which had been grounded due to fatal accidents caused by manufacturing defects.

According to U.S. media including The Wall Street Journal, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) ended the 20-month flight ban on the Boeing 737 Max on this day.

The FAA stated, "The design and certification of this aircraft involved an unprecedented level of collaborative and independent review by aviation authorities worldwide," and added, "Boeing's design changes will provide assurance that it can safely operate in the respective countries and regions."

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

Steve Dickson, FAA Administrator, also said, "It has been a long and difficult journey to get here," and "We did not move according to a timetable but followed systematic and planned safety procedures."

David Calhoun, Boeing CEO, said, "We will not forget the lives lost in the tragic accidents. Those accidents have reshaped us and intensified our focus on the core values of safety, quality, and integrity," and expressed confidence in safety once all required measures are implemented.

It is expected to take time before the 737 Max actually resumes operations. Although countries owning the model are likely to issue flight clearance orders, most of the 387 grounded aircraft are outside the United States, which may delay actual operations.

The FAA fully suspended operations of the 737 Max in October 2018 and March last year after two crashes involving Indonesia's Lion Air and Ethiopia Airlines resulted in significant loss of life. Investigations identified issues with the automatic stall prevention system (Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System, MCAS) as the cause of the consecutive crashes.

Meanwhile, Boeing's stock showed strength at the opening of the New York Stock Exchange on the day but later turned weak, closing down 3.21% compared to the previous day.