Boeing 737 Max Takes Off Again... Addressing Passenger Anxiety Remains a Challenge

America Airlines, First Commercial Flight Begins

[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] The Boeing passenger plane 737 Max, which had its flights suspended due to two major accidents, took off with passengers on board and successfully landed after more than two years.

NBC reported that American Airlines Flight 718, carrying about 100 passengers, departed Miami International Airport at around 10:30 a.m. local time on the 29th and landed at New York LaGuardia Airport at 1 p.m.

Passengers arriving at New York LaGuardia on a Boeing 737 Max passenger plane are retrieving their luggage. [Image source=AP Yonhap News]

After the 737 Max planes belonging to Indonesia's Lion Air and Ethiopia Airlines crashed consecutively in October 2018 and March last year, causing 346 casualties, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) suspended all 737 Max operations.

Investigation into the cause of the accidents revealed issues with the automatic stall prevention system, and the manufacturer Boeing carried out improvements through design changes. Accordingly, the FAA lifted the flight ban last month.

Although official flights have resumed, travelers' concerns about the 737 Max remain. According to Reuters and Ipsos polls, 57% of Americans responded that they would not board the Boeing 737 Max if they were aware of its accident history.

Therefore, American Airlines decided to inform passengers in advance that the aircraft model is the 737 Max when booking tickets to prevent complaints. Passengers who do not wish to board the 737 Max can change to other flights.

Robert Isom, President of American Airlines, emphasized, "We will work with Boeing and the FAA to maintain the highest level of safety."

Following American Airlines, United Airlines plans to resume 737 Max operations in February next year, and Southwest Airlines in March next year.

On the New York stock market that day, Boeing, the manufacturer of the 737 Max, saw its stock price rise 0.2% compared to the previous day.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.