United Extends Boeing 737 MAX Flight Cancellations

Image: United
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Key Takeaways:

  • United Airlines has extended its 737 MAX flight cancellations through August 3, aligning with similar actions by other major airlines.
  • This decision impacts approximately 2400 flights in June and July alone for United, contributing to over 3300 total cancellations since the aircraft's grounding in mid-March.
  • While Boeing has completed software changes, FAA approval is still pending, leading airlines to take a conservative approach due to the uncertainty and the time required to prepare the aircraft for service.
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Image: United

Following the lead of American Airlines and Southwest Airlines, United has announced cancellations of flights intended to use the 737 MAX through Aug. 3. This is an extension of its previously announced plan to cancel flights through early July.

Some 2400 flights will have to be canceled in June and July alone for United, which operates 14 MAX aircraft. More than 3300 United 737 MAX flights have been canceled since the Boeing’s grounding in mid-March.

Boeing says that it has completed work on the software changes but the FAA has not yet approved them. Earlier reports had the MAX’s ungrounding by late June, but it’s clear that the airlines are playing conservative, especially when considering that these mothballed aircraft will need maintenance and relocation time before carrying passengers again.

mcook

KITPLANES Editor in Chief Marc Cook has been in aviation journalism for more than 30 years. He is a 4000-hour instrument-rated, multi-engine pilot with experience in nearly 150 types. He’s completed two kit aircraft, an Aero Designs Pulsar XP and a Glasair Sportsman 2+2, and currently flies a 2002 GlaStar.
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