Boeing has engaged its largest service provider in Eastern Europe, Progresstech Ukraine, to work on the Return to Service program for the latest generation of 737 MAX medium-range aircraft.
In particular, Progresstech Ukraine is supporting Boeing in cooperation with operators to prepare for flights previously-purchased aircraft, which have not taken to the skies for almost 2 years.
The Ukrainian company’s engineers are also processing and summarizing the results of aircraft structural element strength calculations. This will help Boeing respond quickly and efficiently to requests for 737 MAX service support, given the expected increase in aircraft usage in the 2nd and 3rd quarters of this year.
In addition, Progresstech Ukraine is involved in the work to resume supplying already-assembled aircraft after long-term storage by the manufacturer. The work package includes an engineering assessment of the technical condition of the 737 MAX fleet, developing technical requirements for retesting of on-board systems, and preparing and submitting reports to U.S. FAA inspectors and customers. If necessary, an order for additional equipment and a set of spare parts for aircraft will also be developed.
Preparations for resuming 737 MAX flights intensified after November 18, 2020, when the FAA lifted a 20-month moratorium on the operation of Boeing’s flagship medium-range passenger fleet. In December, the 737 MAX completed its first commercial flights after a long break. In the same month, Boeing resumed deliveries of the aircraft to customers.
The lifting of the FAA ban on 737 MAX flights was preceded by changes to the software and a set of on-board equipment, elimination of miscalculations in the flight safety oversight, modernization of aircraft certification procedures, and certification of aviation personnel.
As a result, the 737 MAX returns to service as the safest and most reliable aircraft in the history of civil aviation. This was the result of the consolidated efforts of various actors in the aviation and related industries: the aircraft manufacturer, regulators, air carriers, and Boeing partners and suppliers in many countries, including Ukraine.