Boeing announces full resumption of Chinese Airlines' 737 MAX operations in 2023

Boeing has announced that all Boeing 737 MAX jets operated by Chinese carriers are back in service as of the end of 2023, according to the statement from the US planemaker's China head. This marks a significant milestone, coming nearly a year after the aircraft began returning to service globally following a grounding in 2019 triggered by fatal crashes in Indonesia and Ethiopia.

The best-selling Boeing model underwent modifications to the aircraft and pilot training, leading to its gradual return to service worldwide starting in late 2020. However, Chinese airlines resumed operations of the 737 MAX only in January 2023.

Boeing China CEO Liu Qing conveyed the positive news on Chinese social media, stating, "All China civil aviation 737 MAXs have resumed operations," and highlighting that this involved nearly 100 planes.

In addition to the successful resumption of 737 MAX operations, Liu revealed that Boeing has delivered new planes to Chinese clients throughout the year. However, specific details about the models were not disclosed.

Last week, Boeing achieved a significant milestone by making its first direct delivery of a 787 Dreamliner to China since 2019. This development is seen as a potential precursor to the lifting of Beijing's freeze on 737 MAX deliveries.

Boeing has faced challenges in securing new orders from China since 2017 due to escalating Sino-US trade tensions. The resumption of MAX deliveries is anticipated to represent a pivotal moment in Boeing's relationship with China, providing a financial boost and enabling the offloading of dozens of planes from its inventory. This positive development could contribute to a reset in Boeing's business ties with China, opening new avenues for collaboration and growth.

(With Reuters inputs.)