Canada takes first step in allowing 737 Max to fly again

Bloomberg

Canadian transportation authorities validated changes to Boeing Co’s 737 Max ordered by US regulators, putting the jetliner a step closer to flying again in the northern nation.
In a statement, Transport Canada said it has completed its review of design fixes mandated by the Federal Aviation Administration in November — calling it “an important first step” towards re-certification. The plane was grounded in March 2019 after a crash in Ethiopia killed 157 people, including 18 Canadians.
“The return to service is complex, and Transport Canada must put in place comprehensive safety plans that require additional aircraft changes, maintenance and training,” the government agency said.
A decision to re-certify the aircraft hinges on Boeing making modifications to the 737 Max’s design so pilots can quiet the so-called “stick shaker” warning system when it has been erroneously activated, which can distract them and lead to additional work during an emergency.
Before allowing the jet to fly again, Canadian regulators want to see a training syllabus for each domestic airline and for maintenance to be conducted on all aircraft after extended time in storage. Pilots will also need
to complete new training, including on the new flight-deck procedure.
Transport Canada said it expects to publish an airworthiness directive in January outlining the mandatory design changes. It will issue specific training orders at the same time.
The Ethiopia crash that prompted the longest aircraft grounding in US was the second fatal incident involving the
jetliner.

Southwest hits brakes on Max deliveries, settles Boeing dispute
Bloomberg

Southwest Airlines Co cut the number of 737 Max jets it will take through next year to 35, as it joined other carriers in reducing revenue forecasts amid a nationwide surge in coronavirus cases.
Southwest, the largest operator of the Boeing aircraft, also settled with the manufacturer over deliveries scuttled this year, after the plane was grounded following two crashes that killed 346 people. The 35 Max planes that Southwest will receive include seven expected this month and just 28 next year.