American Holds Off on Boeing 737 MAX Flights Until December

American Airlines says they are being very cautious as to how they approach the return of the Boeing 737 MAX. The carrier confirmed to FlyerTalk pending regulatory approval, the airline would only provide one flight aboard the airframe between Dec. 29, 2020 and Jan. 4, 2021.

Although the march towards re-certifying the Boeing 737 MAX continues, American Airlines now says they will take a cautious approach to bringing the airframe back into service. In a statement to FlyerTalk, the Fort Worth-based airline announced if it is allowed to carry passengers, they will only load one flight daily between Dec. 29, 2020 and Jan. 4, 2021.

First Boeing 737-MAX Flights Operating Between Miami and New York

As the carrier re-evaluates the changes made during the re-certification process, a spokesperson confirmed they would only operate one 737 MAX flight per day. The daily passenger-carrying flight will take place between American’s southern hub of Miami International Airport (MIA), and New York’s LaGuardia Airport (LGA).

“Our Boeing 737 MAX return to service plans remain highly dependent on the FAA’s recertification process. To ensure American is ready to fly the 737 MAX once the aircraft is certified, our crew members must be able to bid their schedules for this line of flying.

To initiate this process, we’ve removed 737 MAX flying currently being sold as we prepare to load one daily 737 MAX flight that will operate from Dec. 29 through Jan. 4. The new 737 MAX line of flying will be available to book beginning Oct. 24.

Customers will not be automatically re-accommodated on these new flights when they load and any customers booked on previous 737 MAX flights will be re-accommodated on another aircraft type. We remain in contact with the FAA and Boeing on the certification process and we’ll continue to update our plans based on when the aircraft is certified.”

—Statement from American Airlines

During this process, the airline says they will wait until after concluding the daily flight schedule to determine if they will continue to add the 737 MAX into their schedule. Flyers will know in advance if they are booking a flight aboard the 737 MAX, in order to book a different flight if they feel so compelled. The timeline could be further delayed, based on when the 737 MAX is actually receives final certification.

Commitment Comes as Commentary Continues on 737 MAX

The American announcement comes as more commentary is being released on the troubled airframe, which was involved in two fatal accidents in 2019. CNBC reports the head of the European Aviation Safety Administration (EASA) said he was “satisfied” with Boeing’s proposed changes. After completing their test flights on Sept. 11, 2020, EASA executive director Patrick Ky said the aircraft could be re-certified for European operations before the end of 2020.

A FlyerTalk investigation of public comments submitted to the FAA show that stakeholders are divided on the proposed changes to the 737 MAX. While some say more changes are needed, others say the recommendations don’t go far enough and a re-design of the airframe should be ordered.