Boeing aims for key 737 Max certification flight in late June: Sources

Boeing is aiming to conduct a key certification test flight on its grounded 737 Max jet in late June, two people briefed on the matter said Wednesday. The 737 Max has been grounded since March 2019 after two fatal crashes killed 346 people. Boeing told airlines it hopes to conduct the flight in late June, the sources said. Asking for anonymity because they had not been authorized to speak publicly, they said Boeing had also notified airlines of a fix to address safety concerns about the placement of wiring bundles on the aircraft. Reuters has previously reported that the FAA does not plan to clear Boeing for a resumption of 737 Max flights until at least August. The sources warned the date could slip into July for the certification test flight, as the dates for many milestones for returning the plane to service have been repeatedly pushed back. The FAA said Wednesday it was "in regular contact with Boeing as the company continues its work on the 737 Max ... The aircraft will be cleared for return to passenger service only after the FAA is satisfied that all safety-related issues are addressed." Boeing declined to comment.<br/>