Boeing Advances 737 MAX Certification With Anti-Ice Upgrade
Synopsis
The aircraft manufacturer is nearing approval for a critical safety fix that has delayed certification of two 737 MAX variants.
Key Highlights
- Boeing is moving closer to getting its 737 MAX engine anti-ice system fix approved by regulators in Nov.
- Clear for take-off deliveries of the 737 MAX 7 and the 737 MAX 10 following approval.
- Boeing has been making about 30 MAX 7s and nine MAX 10s for which it had no buyers in order to comply with the schedule instead of slowing production.
Boeing is nearing the end of a successful regulatory certification process on an identified fix for the 737 MAX engine anti-ice system that will enable entry into service for the long-stalled 737 MAX 7 and 737 MAX 10.
The new design fixes an issue that can lead to engine overheating and potential catastrophic engine failure. It has been the largest obstacle holding up certification of the 737 variant with the smallest and largest passenger capacity Boeing’s best-selling aircraft.
Certification Nears Completion
Only two flight tests are remaining with Boeing saying the 737 MAX 10 is 98% through certification flight testing.
In May, the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) stated it was looking at certifying the 737 MAX 7 this summer. Southwest Airlines is the biggest customer for that plane.
Boeing has around 30 MAX 7s and nine MAX 10s built but parked awaiting deliveries, according to aviation analytics firm Cirium. At least 28% of the total number of 737 MAX orders still outstanding are for the MAX 10.
Fix Also Improves Engine Performance
After discovering the anti-ice system issue in 2021, Boeing was unable to certify the MAX 7 and MAX 10until well after certifying that could be addressed by consensus regulations. Meanwhile, the MAX 8, MAX 8-200 and MAX 9 continued to operate.
It also lowers engine noise and addresses fan flutter, Boeing said after testing at a GE Aerospace test facility in Ohio.
The majority of the anti-ice upgrade can be accomplished during a normal maintenance shift for those aircraft already in service, but new wiring also must be added.
Additional Safety Updates Planned
The 737 MAX 10 will also feature a redesigned flight crew alerting system to meet safety requirements introduced in the wake of the two fatal 2018-2019 crashes of Boeing 737 MAX 8 jets which killed a total of 346 people.
Boeing said all 737 MAX aeroplanes operating today will get the new alerting system within two years of regulatory approval.
Boeing also said it is more than halfway through certification flight testing for the 777-9, which remains on schedule for initial deliveries of the widebody aircraft next year pending additional regulatory approvals.
Source: Reuters
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