Boeing hires pilots to help return of 737 MAX.
Boeing is hiring up to 160 pilots to join the airlines in its latest bid to ensure that its 737 MAX has a smooth return after 20 months on the ground, according to a recruitment document seen by Reuters and someone familiar with the issue.
See also: Brazilian airline Gol resumes flights with Boeing 737 MAX.
The new “Global Engagement Pilots” will act as instructors or cabin observers on 35-day assignments with an equivalent annual salary that could reach $200,000, for a potential total cost of $32 million, one of the people said.
The unusual series of hires is part of a campaign by Boeing to protect the relaunch of its redesigned 737 MAX from operational failures and rebuild confidence.
See also: China Airlines receives first Boeing 777 Freighters.
The strategy also includes 24/7 surveillance of 737 MAX flights worldwide and discussion points for flight attendants to reassure passengers who express concern.
Pilots must have 1,000 hours of instructor experience and “no incidents, accidents, losses or violations,” and be licensed on the 737 and other Boeing aircraft, he said.
“We continue to work closely with regulators and customers worldwide to get the 737-8 and 737-9 back into service safely around the world,” a Boeing spokeswoman said.
Boeing and the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have said the aircraft is one of the safest in the world after improvements in cockpit software and pilot training.
A smooth return to service is considered vital for Boeing, which faces $20 billion in grounding costs.
Related Topics
Spanish Court Temporarily Suspends Fines Against Ryanair and Norwegian for Hand Luggage Fees
Iberia Promotes Female Talent in Aviation with the Fourth Edition of “Quiero Ser”
Volotea to Connect Bilbao and Sevilla with Verona in Winter 2025/26 Season
Iberia Group to Operate Over 1,920 Flights During First Weekend of Summer
Plataforma Informativa de Aviación Comercial con 13 años de trayectoria.