Boeing 737 Max grounded until mid-2020

This appeared in The Millennial Source

The world’s largest aerospace company and leading manufacturer of commercial jetliners, Boeing, is not expecting its 737 Max planes to return to service until at least June or July 2020. “We are informing our customers and suppliers that we are currently estimating that the ungrounding of the 737 Max will begin during mid-2020.

This updated estimate is informed by our experience to date with the certification process. It is subject to our ongoing attempts to address known schedule risks and further developments that may arise in connection with the certification process,” Boeing said in a statement on January 21.

The extended delay will affect most northern-hemisphere airlines that would have to endure a second peak flying season without the 737 Max planes, as the summer is the most popular season for the airline industry.

The United States recorded 257.4 million passengers between June 1 and the end of August in 2019 — a 3.4% increase from the previous year — as a result of the strong economy and job market, according to CNBC.

Regulators’ response

The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said in a statement on January 21 that it is not clear when the plane will be given…