Nearly All Boeing 737 Max Jets Return to Skies in China
After a prolonged hiatus, Boeing’s 737 MAX fleet is soaring once again in China’s airspace, marking a significant turnaround for the aircraft model. Liu (Alvin) Qing, Boeing’s CEO in China, announced on the company’s WeChat account that nearly all 737 MAX planes in China have resumed flights. This comeback occurs almost four years after the global grounding of the 737 MAX fleet and one year after Chinese airlines gradually reintroduced MAX operations.
In a post dated December 29, 2023, Qing highlighted that the Chinese737 MAX fleet, comprising almost 100 aircraft, had achieved full operational status, showcasing enhanced efficiency. Data from ch-aviation fleets advanced indicates that 11 Chinese carriers are currently operating 90 737-8 aircraft, with an additional five temporarily grounded for maintenance. The airlines and their operational statuses are as follows:
- 9 Air: 1 active 737-8
- Air China: 15 active, 1 inactive (maintenance) 737-8
- China Eastern Airlines: 2 active, 1 inactive (maintenance) 737-8
- China Southern Airlines: 23 active, 1 inactive (maintenance) 737-8
- Fuzhou Airlines: 2 active 737-8s
- Hainan Airlines: 10 active, 1 inactive (maintenance) 737-8
- Lucky Air: 3 active 737-8s
- Shandong Airlines: 6 active, 1 inactive (maintenance) 737-8
- Shanghai Airlines: 11 active 737-8s
- Shenzhen Airlines: 7 active 737-8s
- Xiamen Airlines: 10 active 737-8s
Interestingly, while Boeing produces various 737 MAX variants, Chinese airlines have so far only utilized the B737-8 model. However, future expansions are on the horizon, with 209 MAX aircraft on order from 15 Chinese carriers at different stages of construction. These orders include various models, such as the 737-8, 737-10, and 737-7.
The resumption of 737 MAX operations in China and the ongoing orders indicate a positive shift in the Chinese government’s stance towards Boeing. This is further evidenced by recent developments, such as the delivery of the first 787 type since 2019 to Juneyao Air and the resumption of 777 deliveries, with Chinese carriers receiving eight such aircraft in November 2023. This renewed activity signals a potential thaw in the previously restrained relationship between Boeing and the Chinese aviation market.