On 29 December American Airlines became the first operator to resume service with the Boeing 737 Max since its grounding in early 2019. The flight occurred between Miami to New York LaGuardia Airport. This flight flight followed the return of the MAX to service with Aeromexico on 18 December and Brazil’s Gol on 9 December.
American Airlines stated that it would be taking a phased approach to return to service all 25 of the MAX jets so far delivered. The airline’s flight schedules show two flights a day—consisting of the round trip between Miami and New York—through 4 January. The airline added that it expects to gradually return more aircraft into revenue service this month, reaching 36 departures from its Miami hub depending on the day of the week.
American has 25 MAX 8s of an order for 100 placed in 2013.
“We’ve implemented rigorous processes to ensure that every plane in the air is safe and our pilots, flight attendants, team members, and customers are confident in the return of the 737 Max,” the company said in a statement. “This includes investing in extensive training and plans to fly the aircraft before it returns to commercial use. Our approximately 2,600 Boeing 737 pilots will complete the FAA-mandated and approved training, which includes computer-based training, classroom briefings, and dedicated return to service training in a 737 Max simulator.”
The US FAA will retain its authority to issue airworthiness certificates and export certificates for all new 737 MAX aircraft that have been manufactured since the grounding and will perform in-person, individual reviews of each aircraft.
