Southwest Cites ‘Frustration’ Over 737 Max Certification Delays
- Carrier eyes commercial debut of smallest Max jet in late 2022
- CEO Gary Kelly says changes to FAA oversight are a factor
Photographer: Patrick T. Fallon/Bloomberg
This article is for subscribers only.
Southwest Airlines Co. is frustrated by the slow pace of federal certification of Boeing Co.’s smallest 737 Max jet, an issue that could delay the carrier’s commercial debut of the aircraft late into next year.
The concern stems from changes by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration and lawmakers giving regulators a larger role in the certification, drawing out that process, Southwest executives said in a meeting with Bloomberg News editors and reporters Friday. Previously, Boeing had been allowed to oversee more safety decisions.