The Air Line Pilots Association has told lawmakers that certifying the 737-7 and 737-10 without new flight crew altering systems is preferable to forcing Boeing to upgrade the last two 737 MAX family variants.
The Allied Pilots Association says it will not support giving Boeing more time to certify its final two 737 MAX family variants if the manufacturer does not meet a year-end deadline linked to flight deck system requirements.
Boeing does not appear to be on track to get the 737-7 certified this year, putting the program in need of a congressional waiver from a pending deadline.
A federal judge could give final approval Dec. 14 to a settlement of a class-action lawsuit against Boeing and its board of directors regarding the 737 MAX.
"Following the second crash, Boeing and Muilenburg assured the public that there were no slips or gaps in the certification process with respect to MCAS, despite being aware of contrary information,” the SEC said Sept. 22.
The Ryanair Group CEO says the situation with Boeing 737-8200 deliveries remains difficult and believes the certification timeframe for the MAX 10 will be extended.
There have been 152 accidents involving fixed-wing commercial aircraft worldwide between 2012 and 2021. This is more than a 50% drop compared to the 384 crashes between 2002 and 2011.
Facing a deadline that would require major changes to uncertified 737 MAX variants, Boeing continues to argue the status quo—and keeping the family as similar as possible—is the safer course of action.