The European aviation authority EASA has now made a specific statement on a “timetable” for the re-use of the Boeing 737-Max in the European Union. An airworthiness directive is to be issued shortly. In this the regulations for the re-approval of the design are recorded.

After two devastating crashes, the Boeing 737-Max was gradually banned from flying around the world. The US FAA gave green light again on November 18, 2020, announced, however, that the manufacturer's "inventory" will be checked meticulously. It will therefore take a few weeks or even months before it is actually used again in the United States.

EASA boss Patrick Ky said in Paris that the release for commercial flights could take place in January 2021. He did not name an exact day, but referred to an objection period that will result from the airworthiness directive. Subsequently, both the manufacturer and the operator must meet all the requirements before the actual re-use can take place.

Ryanair does not want to pay the punitive tariffs

One of the largest European customers is the Ryanair Group. Eddie Wilson, CEO of the operating airline Ryanair DAC, said at the CAPA conference that the carrier he runs will not pay the punitive tariffs. Due to the ongoing dispute between Airbus and Boeing regarding subsidies, the European Union levies a surcharge of 15 percent. It goes without saying that the Irish low-cost airline does not want to pay the punitive tariffs and is negotiating with the US aircraft manufacturer about assuming costs or further discounts.

Ryanair expects the delivery of a total of 135 Boeing 737 Max 200s. This is a special low-cost version of the 737 Max 8 that has so far only been ordered by this group of companies. When these can be handed over is in the stars, as there are static problems with the variant that not only have to be resolved, but also have to be approved by the FAA and EASA. Ryanair is obviously not in a hurry to get the order delivered, because they want to negotiate with Boeing about further compensation or, alternatively, about a hefty price reduction. So it is quite fitting that no delivery date has yet been set. The Boeing 737 Max 200 will be used by Ryanair DAC, Malta Air and Buzz. It is not yet clear whether Lauda Europe and / or Ryanair UK will also receive machines of this type in the near future. Anyway, Michael O'Leary said that Lauda is converted into a Boeing operatorif Airbus does not give in on the price of the A320neo. At the moment it does not look like the Irish and the European aircraft manufacturer will come to an agreement.