In a message to American Airlines team members, Chief Operating Officer David Seymour and the Operations leadership team discuss the recertification of the Boeing 737 MAX and its return to service at American.
“If our pilots, along with the APA, FAA and our safety teams are confident the aircraft is safe, we are confident in its return to service. We’ve implemented rigorous processes to ensure that every plane in the air is safe and our pilots, flight attendants, team members and customers are confident in the return of the 737 MAX. This includes investing in extensive training and plans to fly the aircraft before it returns to commercial use. Our approximately 2,600 Boeing 737 pilots will complete the FAA-mandated and approved training, which includes computer-based training, classroom briefings and dedicated return to service training in a 737 MAX simulator.”
American confirms that its aircraft will be ready thanks to its comprehensive storage program, which it says has kept the aircraft in excellent condition with regular care and maintenance. “In anticipation of the return to service, the team will complete the maintenance requirements included in the Airworthiness Directive, including updating the software. In addition to the FAA’s oversight of every 737 MAX aircraft, our FAA-licensed aviation maintenance technicians will inspect and sign off on every airplane, just as they do for every one of our other aircraft. Every aircraft will then complete an Operational Readiness flight to ensure it is ready for passenger service.”
In the message, the team recognises the challenge in restoring customers’ confidence in the aircraft type, which they say “will come with time and importantly, transparency and flexibility”. Adding that customers will be able to easily identify whether they are traveling on a MAX aircraft even if schedules change, and rebook if necessary.
American is taking a phased approach to returning the aircraft to service, which will commence with on-commercial flights in early December before the official return to service date to help demonstrate that the 737 MAX is as safe. On Dec. 29, American will resume scheduled service with two flights a day — or one round trip from MIA to LGA — through Jan. 4. After that, it will gradually phase more 737 MAX aircraft into revenue service throughout January, with up to 36 departures from its Miami hub depending on the day of the week.