Boeing has received key approval from China's aviation regulator, paving the way for the resumption of 737 MAX deliveries to the country after a four-year hiatus. This is a significant development for Boeing, as China is one of the world's most important aviation markets.
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The approval still needs to be finalized by China's National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), but it is a major step forward for Boeing. The company has said that it is "ready to deliver" for its Chinese customers when the time comes.
The approval comes after Boeing's executive met with China's aviation regulator in Beijing on December 8th. The regulator reportedly told Boeing that it is welcome to deepen its development in the Chinese market. Chinese imports of the 737 MAX have been suspended since the aircraft was grounded worldwide in 2019. The grounding was lifted in 2021, but new deliveries to China have remained on hold.
A 737 MAX designated for China Southern Airlines recently flew from Boeing Field in Seattle to Boeing's facility in Moses Lake, Washington. This is believed to be a customer acceptance flight, which is a test flight operated by an airline pilot that occurs before delivery. The resumption of 737 MAX deliveries to China would be a major boost for Boeing. The company projects that China will account for 20% of the world's aircraft demand through 2042.