The challenges Boeing continues to face regarding the 737 MAX grounding expand as many carriers in North America have removed the aircraft from their schedules through June.
Following the release of additional information on the status of the recertification of the aircraft, carriers have made the decision to extend the removal of the aircraft from their schedules. Airlines are awaiting details on whether the 737 MAX will be able to return before the heavy traveled summer season.
United Airlines announced in December that they removed the 737 MAX from their schedules through June. American Airlines has removed the 737 MAX from schedules through June 4, 2020, and Southwest made a similar announcement.
Last week, Southwest announced, “We previously removed the MAX through April 13, 2020, to offer reliability to our operation and stability for our Customers. Based on continued uncertainty around the timing of MAX return to service, as well as Boeing’s recommendation for Pilot simulator training, the Company is proactively removing the MAX from its flight schedule through June 6, 2020.”
American Airlines actively removes about 140 flights from their daily schedules, while Southwest removes roughly 330 weekday flights from the schedule out of a total peak-day schedule of more than 4,000 daily flights.
These carriers, along with additional North American carriers such as Air Canada, AeroMexico, and WestJet, are all awaiting the fate of the future of Boeing’s 737 MAX.
While the aircraft is currently grounded, certain routes and/or schedules may still show the 737 MAX as the scheduled aircraft. Airlines encourage passengers to reach out to their specific carriers for additional details regarding their reservations and flight options.
