Indonesia may wait until 2020 before clearing 737 Max planes
Indonesia has hinted it may wait until next year before it gives a green light for Boeing 737 Max planes to fly again.
Even if the US Federal Aviation Administration approves the new Max software fix in the coming weeks, Indonesia’s air regulator will make its own judgement, in its own time, director general of Civil Aviation Polana Pramesti said.
There remain ‘lots of issues’ with more intensive pilot training likely before it is approved.
That will include comprehensive flight simulator training.
"I can’t predict whether we will keep using the aircraft," Pramesti said.
"Boeing has to assure us, the regulators, that the aircraft is safe. They also have to regain confidence from the pilots and the airlines, then educate Indonesian customers."
Lion Air is the primary 737 Max customer in Indonesia – the airline which was involved in the first crash last October.
A brand new Max jet plunged into the Java Sea shortly after takeoff from Jakarta, killing all 189 people on board.
Lion Air has another $22 billion worth or 737 Max orders and flag carrier Garuda has ordered 49 worth nearly $5 billion.
Both airlines have said they may cancel or convert the orders to other aircraft models.
Like Indonesia, China, Canada and the European Union won’t just take the FAA’s word for it, once it approves the software update.
They all plan to do their own independent assessments before allowing the jets to fly.
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Phocuswright reveals the world's largest travel markets in volume in 2025
Cyclone in Sri Lanka had limited effect on tourism in contrary to media reports
Higher departure tax and visa cost, e-arrival card: Japan unleashes the fiscal weapon against tourists
In Italy, the Meloni government congratulates itself for its tourism achievements
Singapore to forbid entry to undesirable travelers with new no-boarding directive