Over two months after the grounding of the Boeing 737 Max jet due to its involvement in two fatal crashes, there seems to be an end in sight for Boeing and travelers alike. Boeing has finally taken initiative in their software developments to get their plane back in the air.
The main focus of the 737 Max software update is to create an automated system that counteracts the plane’s nose tendency to point upward from the engines that are placed on the wing. In the process, Boeing hopes to create a system that can properly handle manual shutdowns instead of relying on one sensor to be responsible for managing that system.
While the 737 Max has already flown for 360 hours on 207 different flights with this updated software, it is still going to take some time before the plane is back in the air flying around paying customers. As stated by Boeing CEO Dennis Muilenburg, “we’re committed to providing the FAA and global regulators all the information they need, and to getting it right.” Only after all tests are administered by the FAA and the aircrafts pass can the 737 Max be reconfirmed as a safe plane to fly.
737 pilots will also be receiving updated training materials to guarantee everyone is up to speed on the new software, as Mulienburg hopes the software update will help the 737 Max become one of the safest planes in the air.
Boeing hopes these developmental initiatives and certification steps prove that the 737 Max can be put back in service and will be enough to persuade past flyers who may be hesitant to return to the Boeing 737 Max planes.
One thing we know for sure is that traveler trust in this aircraft and long-term ramifications of this crisis remain to be seen.
Written by: Ellie Fichtelberg