Boeing Co. has said it is close to a significant milestone that's one of the last steps before it submits to USA regulators a patch for anti-stall software linked to two fatal 737 Max accidents.
The grounding of its Boeing 737 Max jets is causing United Airlines to trim growth plans for this year, and the carrier expects to discuss potential compensation with Boeing.
"More than 85% of the 50-plus MAX operators around the globe also have had the opportunity to see the update in action during simulator sessions", added Muilenberg.
While dozens of families had already filed lawsuits against Boeing over its MAX 8's crash in Indonesia, three lawsuits had been filed so far on Ethiopian Airlines crash, by families of two Americans and a Kenyan family as beforementioned.
During the next-step certification flight, Federal Aviation Administration crews will join Boeing pilots in the air to assess the new MCAS software and decide if it addresses problems around the nose of the airplane being forced down during flight.
The Wall Street Journal noted that the USA and Canada may be triggering a rift due to contradicting stances over the certification of the Boeing 737 Max jets.
"We are making steady progress toward certification", Boeing CEO Dennis Muilenburg said in a video on his Twitter account on Wednesday.
Air Canada's rival, WestJet Airlines Ltd., declined to specifically address Mr. Garneau's comments, but the carrier follows all Transport Canada recommendations, a company spokeswoman said by e-mail.
In response to Air Canada's move, Boeing said it was pleased with Ottawa's decision to have a more cautious and "rigorous approach" on the issue.
The company has proposed a computer-based training that will familiarize pilots upgrading from the 737 NG series with the MCAS system.
Battling its biggest crisis in years, the world's largest aircraft manufacturer is under pressure to convince global regulators that the aircraft can be safely recertified to fly again.
"We're making steady progress toward certification", Muilenburg said, with a Max aircraft and Boeing Field, an airport south of Seattle, as backdrops.
