Ethiopian Airlines to return Boeing 737 MAX to service on Feb. 1
Ethiopian Airlines is set to return the Boeing 737 Max to service on February 1, 2022, following the completion of investigations and improvements made to the aircraft’s systems.
Ethiopian Airlines CEO, Tewolde GebreMariam, was quoted by Ethiopian Airlines’ Twitter handle as saying: “We’re in the final stage to return B737 MAX to service with the first flight expected on 01 February 2022.”
The Boeing 737 Max was grounded worldwide some two years ago after two fatal accidents.
Global regulators and aviation organisations from around the world collaborated with Boeing to allow the airplane to safely return to service.
Read: Boeing 737 Max: Indonesia lifts ban after 2018 Lion Air crash
Some major changes made to the aircraft that now makes it suitable to fly include: Enhancing the flight control computer software to provide for more cross-checking between flight control computers, and providing for modification of and greater separation in some wiring to satisfy regulator requirements.
The Boeing 737-Max is designed to offer the greatest flexibility, reliability and efficiency in the single-aisle market.
MCAS has been improved. This required software function operates in unusual flight conditions only and now relies on two sensors, activates only once and never overrides pilots’ ability to control the airplane.
Ethiopian Airlines has 4 Boeing 737-Max in service and 27 on order.