FAA Clears The 737 MAX To Fly

Today, the Federal Aviation Administration cleared the way for airlines to resume 737 MAX 8, MAX 9, and MAX 10 service. All US carriers must update their flight crew and maintenance trainings before the airliners return to service. Many delivered and undelivered 737 MAXs have been in storage for the past 18 months following the two fatal accidents. In the US, American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines currently have MAX variants. Alaska Airlines has MAX9s on order.

The European Union and Canadian aviation safety agencies are next up to re-certify the 737 MAX.

Boeing will also remove the MAX name from the 737, and each variant will be known as the 737-7, 737-8, 737-9, and 737-10.

Further information in this FAA news release, Boeing Mediaroom release, and Airways Magazine report.

Thai Lion Air's HS-LSK

Thai Lion Air is taking delivery of HS-LSK (c/n 42989, l/n 6308) today. This 737 MAX 9, which was one of the test MAX 9s, is making its delivery flight from BFI as TLM1, and will make a brief fuel stop at HNL.

United Airlines' N37504

United Airlines' first 737 MAX 9 revenue flight to HNL was made today as UAL1493 from LAX, made by N37504 (c/n 43435, l/n 6899, f/n 7504). It returned to LAX as UAL1636, a couple of hours later.

Thai Lion Air HS-LSI

Thai Lion Air is taking delivery of HS-LSI (c/n 42992, l/n 6816) this evening. This 737 MAX 9 is making its delivery flight as TLM1, and will make a fuel stop at HNL.

Thai Lion Air's HS-LSH

Thai Lion Air is taking delivery of their first 737 MAX 9, HS-LSH (c/n 42991, l/n 6771), today. Thai Lion Air is the launch customer for the MAX 9, and HS-LSH is making its delivery flight from BFI as TLM1, and will make a brief fuel stop at HNL.