THE United States Federal Aviation Administration might have approved the Boeing 737 MAX’s return to the skies but Malaysia Airlines Bhd (MAB) is still concerned about safety issues and discussing with the plane maker on its suspended order of 25 jets.

MAB told The Malaysian Insight that although the US FAA has rescinded the order that suspended 737 MAX operations, the grounding order of the aircraft still remains and its return-to-service is subject to the approval of global regulators where Malaysia Airlines operates, including the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM).

“Until then, our technical due diligence and discussions with Boeing are ongoing,” it added.

The flag carrier reviewed its orders worth US$2.75 billion (RM11.5 billion) over safety concerns after two fatal crashes involving the Boeing 737 MAX.

A 737 MAX belonging to Indonesian carrier Lion Air crashed in October 2018 and less than six months later, the same make under Ethiopian Airlines, crashed in March 2019.

All aboard both flights – 346 people in total – died.

MAB was to take delivery of the first 737 MAX in July this year.

However, in January, it said it will suspend taking delivery of 737 MAX orders due this year, adding that its utmost priority is the safety of its operations and customers.

“Malaysia Airlines views safety of its operations and customers of utmost priority and welcomes moves by Boeing to improve procedures to ensure the safe operations of the 737-MAX.

“As there is no clarity yet from various authorities on its return to service, our technical due diligence is still ongoing.

“In view of the production stoppage and the delayed return to service of the 737-MAX, Malaysia Airlines has suspended the delivery of its orders which are due in 2020,” it told The Malaysian Insight in January.

Boeing has been under financial pressure due to the grounding of the Boeing 737 MAX since March 2019 after the twin tragedies.

The FAA ordered Boeing to revamp the jet and implement new pilot training protocols.

The jet maker announced in May that it has resumed production of the 737 MAX at a “low” rate following two deadly crashes that led to the aircraft’s global grounding.

Boeing said work on the MAX had resumed at the company’s Renton, Washington factory as it implements initiatives to enhance workplace safety and product quality.

On November 18, the FAA approved the plane’s return to service. – December 17, 2020.