Boeing may extend the certification timeline for the MAX aircraft

Boeing Co. wants to convince the U.S. Congress to extend the deadline for certifying two new variants of the 737 MAX. On Wednesday, the company got support for its attempt.

The MAX 7 and MAX 10 are to be certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The U.S. aircraft maker has to do it by the end of December, unless Congress provides permission for an extension of the deadline.

Lindsey Graham is a Republican senator. She said she supports rejecting the MAX certification deadline.

Graham said that she is ready to fight for the opportunity to prove that the Boeing aircraft works in practice.

United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby also supported the extension. On Wednesday, he said it was better to maintain the overall 737 alert system because it was the right thing in terms of safety. Also, he added, the decision to replace the cabin is bad in terms of safety.

United made an order for 100 MAX 10 aircraft in 2017. Kirby said that without certification, United will reorder for some MAX 8 and 9 aircrafts. He also added that he intends to buy more Airbus 321s. This purchase will have a negative impact on Boeing's U.S. employees.

Kirby added that the company should not have to maintain loyalty to Boeing. According to his words, it affects the U.S. economy and exports.

Earlier, Senator Roger Wicker tried to attach certification extensions to the defense bill by September 2024. The attempt failed.

Earlier, Senator Roger Wicker tried to attach certification extensions to the defense bill by September 2024. The attempt failed.

Boeing provided key documents to the FAA as part of its current review of MAX 7. In a letter dated Oct. 12, the FAA reported that some of them were incomplete. Meanwhile, approval for the MAX 10 from Boeing is not expected until next summer.