American sets new MAX return date

After several postponements, a new date for a return to service of the Boeing B737 MAX was set by American Airlines last week, saying it anticipated software updates to the aircraft would lead to re-certification this year and resumption of commercial flights in early 2020.

Noting it was in "continuous contact" with the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Department of Transportation (DOT), the airline said it expected to phase in the MAX for commercial service from 16 January.

Passengers previously booked on MAX flights up to 6 January are being accommodated automatically on the same flights operated by a B737-800 with the same seat configuration. No additional rebooking is needed.

For those previously booked on MAX flights from 7-15 January, most will be accommodated on the same flights operated by a different aircraft type, which American said may include a B737-800 or an Airbus.

The company added: “American expects to slowly phase in the MAX for commercial service and will increase flying on the aircraft throughout January and into February. Additional refinements to our schedule may occur through 12 February. Affected customers will be contacted directly”.

■ The Southwest Airlines Pilots Association (SWAPA) has filed a lawsuit against Boeing for “deliberately misleading” the airline and its pilots about the MAX.

www.aa.com

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