A Boeing 737 MAX has arrived in Shanghai to be subjected to test flights by the Chinese aviation regulator, reports Chinese news site The Paper. This is a step towards lifting the flight ban for that type of aircraft in China.
The Asian country was the first to issue a no-fly zone for the 737 MAX a few hours after a fatal crash with such a plane in Ethiopia in early March 2019. That was already the second fatal crash in a short time after a 737 MAX was also found in Indonesia crashed.
The cause of both accidents turned out to be a system that repeatedly pushed the aircraft’s nose down in situations where it was not necessary.
Until now, Boeing aircraft are not allowed to be used in China. However, in November, Boeing in the United States received the green light, allowing the planes to fly again. Approval from the European Union and Canada also followed in January.
China is an important growth market for Boeing. However, the position of the American company in that market is under pressure due to the flight ban.