MAX problems

A long and well researched piece by the experienced aviation journalist John Arlidge in yesterday’s Sunday Times has cast doubt on the recertification of the Boeing MAX by the FAA and its European counterpart EASA.

The latest variant on the original 1960's Boeing 737 suffered two tragic accidents three years ago, grounding the MAX fleet and stopping deliveries.

Two distinguished pilots both say that the aircraft is still not safe.  

Chelsey Sullenberger, who saved a stricken Airbus A320 in New York’s East River in 2009, claims that Boeing has not made enough improvements.  Charles Kennedy, pilot, aviation analyst and author who has flown two million miles, has called the aircraft ‘a Frankenstein monster’.  He says Boeing should have started from scratch and not attempted to update a 60-year-old design!

Assuming the authorities do approve the revamped aircraft, it will be interesting to see if there is any customer resistance.  Will passengers ask on boarding “what ‘plane is this?”

At the beginning of the year 387 Boeing MAX had been grounded with another 4,500 on order. TUI has taken 15 and Ryanair has 135 commitments, plus British Airways owner IAG signing a Letter of Intent for 200.

www.boeing.com/737-max-updates

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