US pilots who have tested the new Boeing 737 MAX flight-control software have given it positive reviews and some carriers are beginning to finalize step-by-step MAX return-to-service plans, suggesting that Boeing’s notional timeline of getting FAA approval by year-end may come to fruition.

The FAA is working with Boeing to finalize an inspection order on higher-time 737NGs after cracks were discovered in fuselage frames and related parts on three 737-800s being converted to freighters.

Boeing is implementing several recommendations made by its board of directors aimed at elevating the company’s safety focus, led by the creation of a new Product and Services Safety (PSS) unit, CEO Dennis Muilenburg announced Sept. 30.

The Aviation Industry Corp. of China (AVIC) began assembling the first airframe in the MA700 turboprop airliner program Sept. 27, aiming for a first flight in 2020 and certification in 2022.

Airbus started flight tests Sept. 12 of the first of 52 UPS Airlines A300-600 freighters undergoing major flight deck upgrades designed to keep the fleet operating until at least 2030.