Boeing is inching closer to resuming deliveries of its 737 MAX aircraft in China. This development comes after a significant hiatus, with the Air Current reporting a key clearance from China’s aviation regulator. The 737 MAX deliveries had been on hold in China since 2019, following two tragic crashes that had global repercussions.
Despite the clearance, individual aircraft deliveries are still awaiting approval from China’s National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC). This step is crucial for Boeing to move forward. In response to these developments, Boeing stated, “We continue to support our customers in China and will be ready to deliver for our customers when that time comes.” This statement reflects the company’s commitment to re-enter the Chinese market and serve its customers effectively.
Interestingly, on December 8, China’s aviation regulator’s deputy head had a significant interaction with a Boeing executive in Beijing. This meeting, as reported by Reuters, welcomed Boeing to deepen its development in the Chinese market. The Air Current, citing unnamed sources, indicated that the regulator’s clearance was granted on the same day.
The Current Status of the 737 MAX in China
The 737 MAX, which is Boeing’s most profitable product, had its imports to China suspended since the global grounding in 2019. Although the safety bans have been lifted and MAX aircraft delivered before the grounding are flying within China, new deliveries have been paused.
In what might be seen as a positive sign, a 737 MAX designated for China Southern Airlines flew from Boeing Field in Seattle to Boeing’s facility in Moses Lake, Washington, and returned, as per data from FlightRadar24. Analysts from Jefferies and Deutsche Bank suggested that this might have been a customer acceptance flight, a crucial step before the official delivery of aircraft.
For Boeing, resuming deliveries in China isn’t just about fulfilling orders; it symbolizes the reopening of one of the world’s most crucial aerospace markets. Boeing projects that this market will account for 20% of the world’s aircraft demand through 2042, highlighting the immense potential and significance of this development.
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