46The Boeing 737 MAX was recertified last week in South Korea, making China the last major aviation market that has not yet authorized the aircraft.
The definitive release of this model in the country was made after reviewing the various changes made to the aircraft and pilot training, according to Reuters news agency.
The only Korean company that currently has Boeing 737 MAX aircraft in its fleet is Eastar Jet, with 2 of them, plus an order for another 4. Korean Air, in turn, has an order for 30 Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft and an option to purchase another 20 units for future delivery.
T’way Air has an order for 8 Boeing 737 MAX and Jeju Air has an order for 40 units with an option to purchase 10 more. Nevertheless, more companies in the region also have the model and are interested in carrying out several operations with it to different points in Korea.
The next step now is for the Korean regulator to carry out safety checks to ensure that the companies provide pilots with the necessary training and qualifications to fly. Changes made by the various airlines and manufacturers in the operation and delivery of the type will also be monitored.
Boeing’s focus is now on China
The local regulator (CAAC) there noted that it is satisfied with what it saw recently, during demonstrations of the MAX on Chinese territory, which were complemented by workshops in which the American manufacturer presented all the changes made and the new pilot preparation process.
Based on recent information and through data provided by our partner media Aeroin, we know that the CAAC opened a public consultation process related to the AD (Airworthiness Directive) for the release of the MAX.
As soon as the process is closed, the model is expected to go immediately on sale in China, something that could happen by the end of this year if all goes well.
