Boeing, the American aircraft manufacturing company, announced today, Friday, that all of its 737 Max aircraft operated by Chinese airlines returned to service by the end of 2023, following nearly a year of flying after being grounded worldwide in 2019. The best-selling model from Boeing was grounded after fatal crashes in Indonesia and Ethiopia. The Max aircraft returned to service worldwide starting in late 2020 after modifications were made to the aircraft and pilots were trained, but Chinese airlines did not resume operations until January 2023.
Liu Cheng, the CEO of Boeing China, stated on Chinese social media, "All 737 Max aircraft operated by Chinese civil airlines have resumed operations," adding that their number is around 100 planes. The full return of Max aircraft to service in China follows Boeing's test flights with several 737 Max aircraft sold to Chinese customers, heightening speculation that Boeing may resume its exports of Max aircraft to China after having suspended them since 2019.
The resumption of shipments would represent a breakthrough in Boeing’s relationship with China, which has been affected by the Max aircraft crisis and the political tension between Washington and Beijing. It would also yield financial gains for Boeing, as it would allow the company to collect payments after delivering dozens of Max aircraft to China, which are currently in its warehouses.
