Max 737 test flight could start within weeks
The Federal Aviation Administration has hinted grounded Boeing Max 737 aircraft could soon make a return to the skies.
The Max could start making certification flights in the ‘next few weeks’, says FAA administrator Stephen Dickson.
That’s despite another faulty software issue coming to light this week. The latest issue – over an indicator light – will ‘not result in a significant delay’.
Addressing the newly found glitch, Boeing said: "We are incorporating a change to the 737 Max software prior to the fleet returning to service to ensure that this indicator light only illuminates as intended."
Acknowledging there had been ‘gaps’ in the initial approval of the Max, Dickson expects global regulators to have ‘very solid alignment’ in respect of the new software changes made by Boeing.
The FAA has been in constant talks with other regulators although not always in total agreement over the proposed changes.
The certification flight is a key milestone but only the third of five such milestones before the aircraft can be signed off as safe to fly.
"Once we get past the certification flight, and the data that comes out of the certification flight, the steps from there on are more predictable, in terms of they’re just fewer variables,” Dickson said.
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
Higher departure tax and visa cost, e-arrival card: Japan unleashes the fiscal weapon against tourists
Cyclone in Sri Lanka had limited effect on tourism in contrary to media reports
Singapore to forbid entry to undesirable travelers with new no-boarding directive
Euromonitor International unveils world’s top 100 city destinations for 2025