The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said on Wednesday it had approved the design for the Boeing 737-8200, part of the Boeing 737 MAX series, a fundamental advance before the U.S. planemaker can start delivering the airplanes to Ryanair.
The FAA said the 737-8200 incorporates the entirety of the design upgrades that were part the 20-month review of the 737 MAX that prompted the ungrounding of the MAX in November, over a year after two deadly crashes killed 346 individuals.
Ryanair first ordered the 737-8200 plane, which seats 197 travelers, in 2014. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency actually should affirm the airplane, a move that could come not long after the FAA approval.
Boeing said Wednesday it would “continue to work with global regulators to safely return the 737-8 and -9 to service. Our teams are also focused on ensuring future members of the 737 family meet all regulatory requirements.”
In December, Ryanair – Europe’s biggest airline – said it was is putting in a firm order for 75 extra 737 MAX 8200 planes, a higher-traveler capacity version of the 737-8 MAX.
Ryanair Group Chief Executive Michael O’Leary said a week ago the carrier expected to get eight of the MAX airplane in April, another eight in May and none in June.
Ryanair is the launch client for the 737-8 variation after the transporter placed in its first order for 100 planes and 100 alternatives in late 2014, followed by firm orders of 10 planes in 2017 and 25 in 2018. Ryanair didn’t quickly comment late Wednesday.
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