China issues Airworthiness Directive to Boeing 737 MAX operators and recertification is closer

After two and a half years, the first country to ban the operation of Boeing 737 MAXs following the model’s second accident is one step closer to recertify it. Through Airworthiness Directive CAD2021-B737-19, the Chinese Aviation Authority (CAAC) issued instructions for operators to conduct the reviews that will allow it to declare the aircraft airworthy.

The agency stated that «after conducting a sufficient assessment, CAAC considers that corrective action is adequate to address this unsafe condition.» The DA does not formalize a return date for 737-8 activity in Chinese territory but allows operators to prepare their crews and begin removing previously disabled aircraft from preservation.

«The CAAC decision is an important milestone towards the safe return of the 737 MAX to service in China,» Boeing said via a statement early Thursday. «Boeing continues to work with regulators and our customers to return the airplane to service around the world.»

The MAX’s return to operation in China is big news for Boeing, as a quarter of the airplane’s orders were placed by operators in the country. In addition, about 370 airplanes have already been manufactured and will be able to resume deliveries.