Aircraft
Boeing Sees Chinese Max Certification by Year-end
While political risks remain a consideration, Boeing CEO David Calhoun expressed a belief that China has more to gain than lose by certifying the 737 Max.
The first Air China Boeing 737 Max 8 takes off from Boeing's Seattle delivery center in November 2017. (Photo: Boeing)
The first Air China Boeing 737 Max 8 takes off from Boeing's Seattle delivery center in November 2017. (Photo: Boeing)

Boeing expects China’s civil aviation authority to certify the 737 Max for return to service in that country by the end of the year, an eventuality that will allow its plan to increase production rates from 16 to 31 in early 2022. Although the Civil Aviation Administration of China’s approval by year-end remains an assumption, Boeing CEO David Calhoun reported during the company’s second-quarter earnings call on Wednesday that he feels confident in the projection given the feedback he has received from Chinese authorities.