FAA approves the Boeing 737 MAX 8-200

Ryanair - Boeing 737-8200 - Woodys Aeroimages - @AeroimagesChris

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on Wednesday (March 31) approved the design of the Boeing 737 MAX 8200, a necessary step before the U.S. aircraft maker can begin delivering the planes to Irish airline Ryanair.

Ryanair - Boeing 737-8200 - Woodys Aeroimages - @AeroimagesChris

The FAA said that the Boeing 737-8200 incorporates all of the design improvements that were part of the 20-month overhaul of the 737 MAX that put MAX back into service in November 2020. 

Ryanair - Boeing 737-8200 - Woodys Aeroimages - @AeroimagesChris

Ryanair ordered the 737-8200 aircraft, with a capacity of 197 passengers, for the first time in 2014. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) is yet to approve the aircraft, a move that may occur soon after FAA approval.

Ryanair 737-MAX 8-200 Configuration - Source: RyanairForum

Boeing said on Wednesday that “it will continue to work with global regulators to return the 737-8 and -9 to service safely. Our teams are also focused on ensuring that future members of the 737 family meet all regulatory requirements. ”

The Dublin-based airline Ryanair is the launch customer for variant 737-8 after the carrier placed its first order for 100 planes and 100 options in late 2014, followed by firm orders for 10 planes in 2017 and 25 in 2018.

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