Boeing to Resume Deliveries of 787 Dreamliner to China, Hints at 737 MAX Deliveries

Boeing is preparing to recommence deliveries of its coveted 787 Dreamliner aircraft to China, according to sources cited by Reuters. This development could pave the way for China to lift its over four-year freeze on deliveries of Boeing's 737 MAX planes.

Juneyao Airlines to Receive New 787 Dreamliner

Reuters reported that Shanghai-based Juneyao Airlines, a privately-owned Chinese carrier, is poised to take delivery of a brand-new 787 Dreamliner transported from Seattle. According to Bloomberg, the unnamed source revealed that the aircraft is expected to depart as early as Thursday.

U.S. Planemaker Advances Towards 737 MAX Deliveries

The Air Current, a renowned trade publication, disclosed that Boeing had recently secured a crucial clearance from China's aviation regulator, the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC). This notable development brings Boeing closer to resuming deliveries of the 737 MAX, a much-anticipated recovery for the company.

The Chinese market has experienced a suspension in orders and deliveries of Boeing planes since 2019, following two fatal 737 MAX crashes in the preceding years. Consequently, the worldwide grounding of the MAX was implemented, significantly impacting Boeing's operations.

Safety Bans Lifted, New Deliveries Await Approval

While the safety bans have been lifted, allowing existing MAX planes to operate within China, the resumption of new deliveries has remained on hold. In response to the latest developments, Boeing emphasized its commitment to supporting its Chinese customers and ensuring that deliveries proceed without delay when the time is right.

The CAAC's deputy head recently warmly welcomed a Boeing executive in Beijing, encouraging the planemaker to expand its presence in the Chinese market. Sources cited by The Air Current confirmed that the regulatory clearance from the CAAC was granted on December 8. However, individual MAX deliveries to China still require China's National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) approval.

As a sign of potential progress, a 737 MAX aircraft designated for China Southern Airlines, a primary Chinese carrier, recently conducted a customer acceptance flight. This test flight, undertaken by an airline pilot, is typically performed before delivery. Flight tracking data from FlightRadar24 confirmed the flight's departure from Boeing Field in Seattle to Moses Lake, Washington, and its subsequent return.

Photo: Boeing Media Room