While Boeing has made no formal announcement, according to Reuters news agency two people briefed on the matter have confirmed the planemaker’s intent to conduct a key certification test flight for the 737 MAX at the end of this month. The company did confirm that it had won approval from the Federal Aviation Administration for a service bulletin that details the modifications required for 737 MAX wiring.
“Boeing has already begun modifying airplanes that have not yet been delivered and is coordinating modification efforts with the airlines,” the company said. “New airplanes being built will include this update,” it added. The FAA said on Wednesday it was “in regular contact with Boeing as the company continues its work on the 737 MAX. … The aircraft will be cleared for return to passenger service only after the FAA is satisfied that all safety-related issues are addressed.”