Following a review of Boeing’s documentation for the revised 737 MAX upgraded software, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) asked for additional information in a different format, likely further delaying flight approval of the beleaguered aircraft.
A spokesman for Boeing said data was provided “…in a format consistent with past submissions. Regulators have requested that the information be conveyed in a different form, and the documentation is being revised accordingly.”
Others characterized Boeing’s documentation as having “gaps,” and being “substandard,” making it impossible for regulators to properly audit the data.
No date has been set for follow-up reviews. This could push flight approval for the 737 MAX well into 2020.
In a separate announcement, Southwest and American Airlines have removed the 737 MAX from their scheduling until March of 2020.