Boeing 737 MAX Returns to the Skies After Two-Year Ban
Boeing's Troubled Airliner Takes Flight Again
By Forrest Brown and Marnie Hunter
After a two-year ban from flying passengers, the Boeing 737 MAX has been cleared to return to service. The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) lifted its grounding order on November 18, 2020, after Boeing made significant changes to the aircraft's flight control system. The first commercial flight of a 737 MAX took place on December 29, 2020 from Miami to New York.
The 737 MAX was originally grounded in March 2019 after two fatal crashes that killed a total of 346 people. Both crashes were caused by a malfunction of the aircraft's Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System (MCAS), which is designed to prevent the plane from stalling. Boeing has since redesigned the MCAS system and added additional safeguards to the aircraft.
The FAA's decision to lift the grounding order was based on a thorough review of Boeing's changes to the aircraft. The FAA also conducted its own flight tests of the 737 MAX and found that the aircraft is safe to fly.
Boeing has delivered more than 400 737 MAX aircraft to airlines around the world since it was first introduced in 2017. The aircraft is a popular choice with airlines because of its fuel efficiency and low operating costs.
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