There may be a Boeing 737-MAX, the dreaded aircraft involved in two fatal crashes parked at your gate, sooner rather than later. European safety officials from the EASA have cleared the 737 MAX for flight as early as 2020, even as they request future safety modifications be added.
With firm orders in place from TUI, Ryanair, Air Europa, IAG the parent company of British Airways and Iberia, and even deliveries for Norwegian it could be a reality sooner than expected.
EASA Clears 737 MAX
The European Air Safety Board has cleared the Boeing 737 MAX for flight in European skies, with the potential to welcome commercial passengers before the end of 2020. Airlines famously, scandalously changed the paint job on these planes to remove any references to the ‘MAX’ name.
According to Bloomberg, Patrick Ky, Chairman of The European Air Safety Agency has requested future updates to 737-MAX software, and additional features for a longer, stretched out future version of the plane. Despite the additional requests, Ky cleared the plane to fly, pending four weeks of public comment and an official ‘air worthiness directive’ expected next month.
Europe is expected to be one of the biggest markets for the 737-MAX, with Norwegian TUI and Ryanair already scheduled to be big customers. Norwegian already received more than a dozen of the beleaguered aircraft, and the author even flew one across the Atlantic. Ryanair expects its first deliveries in early 2021, at the latest.
Who Will Fly The 737 MAX In Europe?
The MAX future is unclear for other airlines in Europe, particularly those within the IAG Group. IAG, the parent company of British Airways, Iberia and Aer Lingus had at least 200 aircraft on order, but pandemic woes will see many orders cancelled.
British Airways has shut down its Gatwick short haul flying base, which is where many 737-MAX aircraft on order were scheduled to go. Whichever IAG airlines the planes go to, these deliveries aren’t expected until 2022.
So who will be the first to put the MAX back in European skies? TUI and Norwegian would lead the way, with more than a dozen aircraft ready to reenter service. How can you find out if you’ll be on one?
Boeing has looked at dropping the ‘MAX’ name from official documents, creating confusion between the previous 737-8 and the newer 737 MAX 8. These new planes are fourth generation Boeing 737’s whereas previous 737-8’s were third generation.
In other words, if Boeing goes through with its rebrand, it’ll be tough for those not using apps like ExpertFlyer or FlightRadar24 to know what type they’ll be on, at least not before facing the plane at the gate. Despite the plane’s horrific past, it’s now easily the most tested plane in commercial history, which should mean it’s among the safest.
Like Trump said last year, the MAX brand name is in the toilet, it is simply good business to ditch that name. Weren’t the previous generation 737-800, not 737-8? In any case, I’m sure they can stick something else on the end, maybe an X like the 777.
I mean, technically it’s the 737-800, but even pilots will refer to the type as a 737-8. It’s all part of the confusion this would create, for everyone who doesn’t recognize the engine cowlings.
IAG only signed and LOI – it hasn’t turned into a firm order yet, and not sure it will given the current situation
Personally I will actively avoid this plane, or all 737s to avoid confusion. Heck, I will even choose A350 over 787 anytime if given a choice. The big problem is Boeing’s corporate culture. Just don’t trust them anymore.
I will definitely avoid it. I don’t trust the testing process has been done properly, I still think they will have cut corners.
There’s more chance of me waterskiing with the Pope,than getting me on that overpolished turd of an aircraft.
Does the pope water ski?
Unfortunately airlines who use modern Boeing 737s (they are very likely to be the Max in whatever paint job they are disguised in) will not be touched by me. An Airbus anyday. The trust has gone out the window. The horse has bolted.
Me personally, I think I skip the Max, by the way do the double on the AOA and others?
3 other accidents that happen and the authorities have recommended to have 2 pilotos at all times in the cockpit, meaning they have to be 3 pilots. Is pilot suicide, like German wings, Silkair, an airline I can’t remember the name right now also United tried with no success. I haven’t seen any movement from the airlines or the government to resolve this problem. We are not free from this and it can happen again at any time, same with alcohol and drugs.
Hard to believe, but true.
Don’t want to be pedantic but I don’t think anybody calls the 737-800 a 737-8. 738 yes, 73-800 possibly but not 737-8. Granted there will still be confusion but if you post, then facts should not be ‘amended’ to help the story.
I think your answer speaks for itself.
Never ever that plane! Only computer tricks can make it fly with the center of gravity too much forward…..too heavy engines places too much forward. .I dont trust the greedy Boeing Company anymore…see what the employees say about even the production of the 787….all airlines should just use Airbus 320neo or 321 planes…all will be safe!