Boeing is once again pushing back the time frame for when it expects to have the 737 Max recertified for flight as the coronavirus pandemic hinders progress. Sources familiar with the latest expectations for fixing the Max tell CNBC that the plane is unlikely to be given the green light until late summer.
That is a slight, but notable, shift from Boeing’s earlier plan to have the beleaguered plane cleared by the Federal Aviation Administration in the middle of this year.
Boeing still needs to complete two software updates and clear a number of other hurdles, including a recertification flight, before the Max can be cleared to return to commercial service. While Boeing has completed a number of steps to get the plane back in the air, the company says the coronavirus is slowing down work on fixing the Max.
“The Covid-19 crisis is complicating the process, but we’re making good progress and focused on managing scheduling risks as they arise. All of course, subject to ongoing regulator…