The head of the FAA Steve Dickson now says that he is “100 percent sure” about the safety in Boeing’s accident plan 737 Max which has undergone a number of updates and tests since the flight ban in March 2019. But more remains, for example, when it comes to the company’s work with corporate culture around safety.

The FAA also requires software updates and that the pilots who will fly the plane undergo special training.

According to Reuters, American Airlines plans to carry out the first commercial flight with a Max plane on December 29. Southwest Airlines, which is the company in the world with the most Max planes in its fleet, plans to wait until the second quarter of 2021.

Aviation authorities in Europe, Brazil and China need to issue separate approvals to the companies that are subject to them after independent reviews.

The news comes at a time when the industry has been severely tested since the demand for travel has dropped to dramatically low levels due to the pandemic and the introduction of infection control restrictions.

Demand for Boeing’s plan was already really subdued before the covid crisis and several customers have withdrawn their orders.

(text updated)