Boeing 737 MAX expected to remain grounded until at least August: sources

Boeing's grounded 737 MAX jet is expected to remain grounded until at least August as the manufacturer continues to grapple with software issues, sources said. The largest planemaker has signalled it now hopes to win regulatory approval in August for the plane's return to service, but that could be pushed backed until fall, the sources said, as timing for meeting milestones is uncertain. The best-selling airplane has been grounded since March 2019 after two fatal crashes in five months killed 346 people. Boeing halted production in January and has 400 undelivered MAX planes in storage. Southwest, the largest operator of 737 MAX airplanes worldwide, said Tuesday it was removing the MAX from its schedule through Oct. 30 based on Boeing's "recent communication on the MAX return to service date." Boeing declined to comment ahead of its earnings release Wednesday. <br/>