China unlikely to certify Boeing 737 MAX to fly again any time soon, analysts say
- US-China relations are unlikely to improve in near future, which makes a speedy return to a vital market less likely
- The jet was grounded in 2019 following two fatal crashes and the aviation regulator is likely to be cautious about allowing it to fly again
“Some large companies are certainly eager to maintain [their business in] the Chinese market or even expand the Chinese market, but at present, these enterprises can only play a rather small role in US politics,” said Shi Yinyong, a professor of international relations at Renmin University and an adviser to the State Council, the country’s cabinet.
“Boeing’s trade with China will not significantly expand further, and it will be a blessing for them to be able to maintain the status quo.”
Boeing’s chief executive Dave Calhoun said in a call with analysts last week that the company expects China to lift its grounding order on the 737 MAX in the second half of 2021.
He also urged the US government to “reinstate” its trade relationship with China in the aerospace sector, saying the country will represent 25 per cent of the global growth in the aviation industry over the next decade.
“We’re now at a stage where the focus is on the economic recovery here in the United States on the part of the administration, as well as now getting their feet a little firmer on the ground with respect to China relationships. It’s time for us to just point out the economic implications of trade with China in the aerospace industry and commercial aviation specifically. You know, they’re significant,” Calhoun said.