American Airlines CEO: 'Politics' May Be Factor In Clearing 737 MAX to Fly
American Airlines CEO Doug Parker told employees at a town hall meeting last week that the airline may have to wait until October before it brings Boeing 737 MAXes back to its gates.
According to CNBC, which reviewed audio of the meeting, Parker said that American would likely announce such a move in the coming weeks if it becomes necessary. The airline had previously planned to resume 737 MAX service on Sept. 3. Its schedule shows that the world's biggest airline is making a large bet on the MAX returning to service in September.
The global fleet of 737 MAX aircraft has been grounded since March following two fatal crashes of Boeing's new workhorse, which left 346 dead.
Boeing has been working with regulators, airlines and other stakeholders to update the aircraft's flight-control software, addressing a system that is believed to have contributed to both disasters.
Related: American Airlines Schedules New 737 MAX Routes, Despite the Grounding
CNBC reported that Parker told his employees that an "absolute software fix" is close to being certified, but said he believes the Federal Aviation Administration is hesitant to certify it before other regulators are ready to do the same. "I think as much as anything now it may be politics," Parker said, according to CNBC. "I don't think the FAA wants to be alone in doing this."
Even if the FAA clears MAXes for flights later this summer, airlines will need time to re-train their crews on the updated systems. American will also begin scheduling personnel to work flights in September as early as next month. Taken together, those constraints could both contribute to American to further delaying the MAX's return to service.
TPG featured card
at Capital One's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 5X miles | Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel |
| 2X miles | Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day |
Pros
- Stellar welcome offer of 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Plus, a $250 Capital One Travel credit to use in your first cardholder year upon account opening.
- You'll earn 2 miles per dollar on every purchase, which means you won't have to worry about memorizing bonus categories
- Rewards are versatile and can be redeemed for a statement credit or transferred to Capital One’s transfer partners
Cons
- Highest bonus-earning categories only on travel booked via Capital One Travel
- LIMITED-TIME OFFER: Enjoy $250 to use on Capital One Travel in your first cardholder year, plus earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening - that’s equal to $1,000 in travel
- Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
- Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
- Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
- Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
- Enjoy a $50 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Lifestyle Collection
- Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
- Top rated mobile app