In 2018 and 2019, two Boeing
The U.S. was the first government to approve the return of the infamous plane in December of 2020. The European Union followed soon after in January of this year. Since then, Canada and Brazil have also approved 737 Max flights.
According to investigators, the deadly crashes were caused by a malfunctioning computer system that lead planes to veer upward uncontrollably.
Before the planes will be allowed to fly, Boeing will need to comply with requests from the Civil Aviation Administration of China, including by adding new software and components. Chinese pilots will also need to complete new training before they are allowed to fly the aircraft.
"CAAC considers the corrective actions adequate to address this unsafe condition," the agency's worldwide directive reads.
"The CAAC's decision is an important milestone toward safely returning the 737 MAX to service in China," Boeing said in a statement.
Following the CAAC's announcement, Boeing shares saw a 7.5% increase. The company states that it is cooperating with governments "to return the airplane to service worldwide."
The process of returning the plane to service has involved a redesign overseen by regulators from around the globe, including the U.S., China, Europe, and the Middle East. The U.S. has the largest 737 Max fleet, followed by China.
Returning the plane to service in China is especially important for the company and its rivals. According to analysts, Boeing's expansion is expected to boost sales growth as demand in North America and Europe flattens.
In January, Boeing paid $2.5 billion to settle criminal probes from the Department of Justice involving the 2018 and 2019 crashes. Several investigations and employee statements have alleged that Boeing ignored safety warnings and mislead the Federal Aviation Administration in order to make a higher profit. Internal communications released by the company show employees mocking the FAA and describing the 737 Max design as unsafe and unreliable. Two employees agreed that they would not allow their families to fly on the aircraft.
"This airplane is designed by clowns who are in turn supervised by monkeys," reads one email exchange.
Employees also acknowledged the company's efforts to mislead FAA officials regarding the flawed design.
"I still haven't been forgiven by God for the cover up I did last year," an employee wrote in 2018.
