Boeing delivers 737 MAX jet to China, ending four-year freeze (updated)

China Airlines

24/01/2024 16:54

(Adds additional background on Boeing's relationship to China
throughout)
    By Valerie Insinna
       Jan 24 (Reuters) - Boeing  BA.N  is set to deliver its
first 737 MAX to a Chinese airline since March 2019 on
Wednesday, flight data shows, ending a four-year freeze on
imports of the U.S. planemaker's most profitable product in a
respite for severely strained trade relations between the
world's two largest economies.  
    For Boeing, the delivery symbolizes the re-opening of doors
to China, one of the fastest-growing aerospace markets, which
Boeing projects will compose 20% of the world’s aircraft demand
through 2042. It represents a vote of confidence for the
planemaker during a difficult period for Boeing following a Jan.
5 mid-air cabin blowout during a full flight. 
    Chinese imports of the MAX have been suspended since it was
grounded worldwide in 2019 following two fatal crashes in 2018
and 2019. Safety bans have been lifted with existing MAX already
flying inside China, but new deliveries had remained on hold. 
    Boeing has faced increased scrutiny following the Jan. 5
mid-air incident on an Alaska Airlines flight. Nobody was
seriously injured, but the FAA grounded 171 MAX 9s after the
incident.   
    A 737 MAX 8 for China Southern Airlines is scheduled to
depart from Seattle Boeing field in Washington state at 9 a.m.
Pacific Time (1200 ET) for Honolulu, flight data from
FlightRadar 24 shows, before its final destination in China.
    Boeing declined to comment.
    The MAX handover comes after Boeing made its first direct
delivery of a 787 Dreamliner to a Chinese customer since 2019. 
    However, the trajectory of future deliveries remains
uncertain, and it's unclear whether the event represents a real
reset of Boeing's relationship with China or a temporary
political concession.

 (Reporting By Valerie Insinna)