Doug Parker Says Carrier Is Preparing To Extend Its Grounding Of The Aircraft

American Airlines may keep its 737 MAX airplanes on the ground longer than it had originally planned, and airline CEO Doug Parker has told employees that part of the reason is politics.

CNBC reports that during a town hall meeting with employees, Parker said that the software fix for the 737 MAX MCAS is close to being certified, "but they've been saying that for a while." He said politics may be playing as much of a role as certification by the FAA, and that "I don't think the FAA wants to be alone in doing this."

American has removed the 737 MAX from revenue service through at least Labor Day, leading to the cancellation of about 115 flights per day. American has taken delivery of 24 737 MAX airplanes, but operates a fleet of some 900 aircraft. Southwest and United have also delayed returning the aircraft to their schedules.

Following FAA certification, American will need a month to six weeks to provide its more than 4,000 737 pilots with additional training on the new software. Given the complexities of scheduling pilot training, Parker said that may delay the return to service by as much as a month.

Earlier this month, Parker told investors that pilot and executives would fly on the plane before passengers were allowed on board.

(Image from file)

FMI: Source report