Approval for the Boeing 737 MAX
Following the lead of the American aviation authorities (FAA) and after careful investigation of their own, the European aviation authorities (EASA) finally approved the Boeing 737 MAX on January 27, 2021. This means that TUI will once again use the aircraft of this type in its fleet to carry out flights. It goes without saying that the safety of our passengers and crew always comes first. On this page you can read more about the reintroduction of this device at TUI and we answer frequently asked questions.
Safety before everything
The Boeing 737 MAX has not flown for the past two years due to a worldwide flight ban. This was due to the two tragic incidents involving 737 MAX aircraft of the Indonesian Lion Air and Ethiopian Airlines. In these two years, manufacturer Boeing has worked together with the regulators on a safe return of the Boeing 737 MAX. An extremely careful process has been followed for this together with the authorities. The adjustments that have been made to the software of the aircraft and the package of requirements that airlines and their pilots must meet in order to fly the 737 MAX again have been approved by the international aviation authorities. The EASA has re-certified the 737 MAX for all EU Member States. Dutch airspace has been open again for this type of aircraft since 28 January 2021. The Minister of Infrastructure and Water Management has decided to do so on the advice of the Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate (ILT) and the European aviation authority EASA.
Cleaner, quieter, more economical
And that's good news. This means that we can use our Boeing 737 MAX aircraft again. This type of aircraft is a valuable addition to our fleet. The 737 MAX is significantly cleaner, quieter and more economical than its predecessor. The aircraft is 40% quieter and due to the new type of engine and the aerodynamic characteristics of the aircraft, both CO2 emissions and fuel consumption are 14% less.
Back in the air
The preparations needed to be able to deploy all three 737 MAX aircraft in our fleet again are in the final phase. And the first flight with this type of aircraft has already taken place. More flights with this type will be carried out from April. We can imagine that you still have a few questions. TUI fly pilot Frank Baetens answers frequently asked questions in a short video. And we've listed them for you below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does TUI trust the Boeing 737 MAX?
A: Yes, we have complete confidence in the aircraft. Following recertification by the FAA in the US and EASA in Europe, the Boeing 737 MAX is one of the most and best tested commercial aircraft ever. All operating system components have been recertified. We have closely monitored this recertification process and have also conducted our own checks to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the 737 MAX. In addition, our pilots are trained according to the strictest standards. The safety of passengers and crew is our top priority. We only fly an aircraft if we are absolutely sure and convinced that it is safe.
Q: What exactly are the adjustments that have been made to the device?
A: A number of changes have been made to the operating system, including the so-called MCAS system. This system now works with two sensors instead of one and the pilot can always overrule the system. In addition, a number of operational procedures have been adjusted and additional training has been drawn up for pilots flying this type of aircraft. More information about the adjustments can be found on the Boeing website:https://www.boeing.com/737-max-updates/At the bottom of this page you will also find an infographic and short video explaining what has been adjusted.
Q: What about the required adjustments to be made on your own devices?
A: It goes without saying that we have made the required adjustments in accordance with Boeing and international and national aviation authority guidelines. This means that our engineers have made the adjustments to the MCAS system, manuals have been adapted and our pilots have followed the mandatory training. All with the aim of safely deploying the 737 MAX again.
Q: Will you perform any test flights before deploying this aircraft?
A: Yes, in order to fly this aircraft again, a strict checklist must first be completed. One part of this is performing a test flight to ensure that an aircraft that has been grounded for a long time is functioning properly. Good to know that American Airlines has been flying with the 737 MAX again since the end of last year and the Brazilian airline GOL Airlines has also been flying with this aircraft for a few months now.
Q: Are your pilots extra trained to be able to fly this aircraft again?
A: Yes, mandatory training for the pilots is part of the package of requirements to fly the 737 MAX again. In close cooperation with Boeing, the regulators have developed specific pilot training. Each pilot must complete theoretical training and practical training in a certified Boeing 737 MAX simulator to meet EASA requirements and ensure safe operation.
Q: How many Boeing 737 MAX aircraft do you have?
A: We currently have three aircraft of this type in our fleet in the Netherlands. And two more will be added in the course of this year.
Q: How are the 737 MAX aircraft that have not flown in the last two years been maintained?
A: All aircraft parked on the ground are maintained according to a well-defined protocol and checked on a regular basis (such as starting the engines). This also applies to the three 737 MAX aircraft in our fleet.
Q: When will you fly the 737 MAX again?
A: We have been flying again with the 737 MAX since April.
Q: On which routes will the Boeing 737 MAX be deployed?
A: That is not yet known, but this type of aircraft mainly flies to destinations within Europe.
Q: When I book a trip with you, can I see if I'm flying with a Boeing 737 MAX?
A: When booking a trip you can see which type of aircraft you are flying with (for example a 737 or a 787), but the specific type designation within the type of aircraft is not stated. This is due to the fact that the type of aircraft you are flying with can still be changed before departure as a result of, for example, a change in flight planning. We mainly use the 737 MAX for our flights within Europe. Unless you fly via TUI with another airline or with arental device.
Q: I see on your site that the trip I have in mind is being carried out with a 737. Can I also fly with another type of aircraft?
A: We mainly use the 737 MAX for our flights within Europe. But it is also preferable to fly with this type of aircraft to destinations such as Cape Verde. Our long-haul flights are in principle operated with the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner. If you fly to a European destination, this is mainly with a 737 MAX. Unless you fly via TUI with another airline or with arental device.
Q: If I'm flying a 737 MAX but don't want to, can I cancel my trip free of charge?
A: No, it is not possible to cancel your trip free of charge for this reason. You do have the option to rebook your trip up to 7 days before departure. Lookherefor more information about our rebooking guarantee.
NOTE: Flight schedules can change, which means that you may be flying with a different type of aircraft than originally planned. Especially in a busy summer high season, we may have to deviate from existing flight schedules and have to change planes. As a result, the flight may be operated with a 737 MAX.
FAQs
Are TUI still flying Boeing 737 MAX? ›
TUI continues to plan for a full roll-over of its widebody fleet to Boeing 787s and its narrowbody fleet to Boeing 737 Max jetliners, though the progress of the Germany-based tourism group's fleet renewal has slowed due to the Max grounding, Covid-19, and Boeing's struggle to deliver a steady stream of new aircraft.
Why is the 737 MAX allowed to fly again? ›After a 20-month review that included design and software changes as well as enhanced training, the FAA agreed in late 2020 to allow the plane to fly again. Airlines around the world began returning them to service last year, though they remain grounded in some countries, most notably China.
Should I be worried about flying on a 737 MAX? ›Is it safe now? By endorsement of the FAA, Boeing and its pilots, the 737 MAX has been determined as safe to fly. But safe pilots fly planes safely and part of being a safe pilot is being well-trained and well-informed as to the full functionality of an aircraft's systems.
Is 737 MAX return to service? ›The 737 MAX was grounded in March 2019 following fatal crashes in Indonesia and Ethiopia but has returned to service around the world with the exception of China and Russia after modifications to the aircraft and pilot training. Foreign airlines began flying the 737 MAX to China in October 2022.
What seats to avoid on Boeing 737? ›On an American Airlines Boeing 737-800, for example, the seat-rating site SeatGuru warns of several “bad” seats, denoted in red. They include all the seats in row 30, at the back of the aircraft. The reasons are obvious: Like Conway's, the seats in row 30 are next to lavatories and don't fully recline.
Is 737 MAX allowed to fly now? ›The MAX airplane has been “recertified” by the FAA, and more than 900 of these planes are now flying around the world.
Do pilots want to fly Boeing 737 MAX? ›Union officials indicate that pilots like the Max and are confident in the changes from Boeing. Representatives of three unions said that crews were largely happy with the plane and added that, except at a select few airlines, training backlogs were the biggest challenge to getting more pilots in the cockpit.
When was the 737 MAX allowed to fly again? ›The 737 MAX 8 entered service in May 2017, and the MAX 9 entered service in March 2018. Deliveries for MAX 7 and MAX 200 (a higher-density version of the MAX 8) were initially expected to begin in 2021, and the MAX 10 in 2023.
Are 737 MAX 8 safe now? ›Because of the sheer intensity of the scrutiny the aircraft faced, the Boeing 737 MAX could be considered one of the safest in the world. In fact, among the dozens of models of commercial airliners around the world, it is likely the safest due to the amount of regulation testing that took place.
Which airline has the most 737 MAX? ›United Airlines leads
This has been a huge vote of confidence, including in the yet-to-certified MAX 10, of which it has ordered 150 jets. The airline's order for 200 737 MAXs in 2021 is also the largest single order for the type.
Is the 737 MAX airworthy? ›
The Boeing 737 MAX has had its fair share of troubles since it entered service but has been safely flying since December 2020, with hundreds of units in the sky every day.
What is the new name for the 737 MAX? ›The move away from the MAX name has been a subtle process and Boeing has begun to use the name 737 MAX and 737-8(7 through 10) interchangeably. This way they are transitioning away from the MAX name toward the normal naming convention of modern Boeing aircraft.
Can you trust Boeing 737 MAX? ›We are fully confident in the safety of the 737 MAX, in the updates, and in the work technicians performed while these planes were on the ground: Updating the plane with the latest FAA-approved flight deck software.
How do I know if I'm flying on a 737 Max? ›On your booking
The easiest way to find out your aircraft type is to check while booking. Airlines usually include the type operating a route while selling the ticket, so take a look at the 'more information. ' Similarly, you'll see the plane you're flying in your app or manage booking after the reservation as well.
According to experts, the model (737-800) is considered to be the safest aircraft ever made. The 737-800 belongs to the aviation giant's next-generation aircraft which also includes 600, 700, and 900.
Where should I sit on a Boeing 737 MAX? ›While the best seat can be subjective, seats with the most legroom are often the most coveted. These seats include the bulkhead seats (row 1), the exit row seats, and the window seats behind the exit row door (seat 12A on the Boeing 737-700 and seats 16A and 16F on the Boeing 737-800 and Boeing 737 MAX 8).
Is it better to sit on left or right side of plane? ›If you're travelling east, choose the right side of the plane. If you're travelling west, go for the left side of the plane. That rule should help you out if you're travelling in the Northern Hemisphere, especially during the winter months.
Which seat no is better in flight? ›According to experts, choosing the seat in front is always a better option. "Our centre of gravity is usually around 28 per cent, and the centre of pressure usually acts around 25 per cent of the mean aerodynamic chord (1/4 of the way down the wing).
How many 737 MAX are currently flying? ›Nearly 1,000 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft are currently active across the skies.
What is the latest problem with the 737 MAX? ›The latest problem comes as Boeing has been under intense scrutiny since two accidents in 2018 and 2019 involving its 737 Max planes killed 346 people. Authorities said the accidents were triggered by design flaws in its flight control software.
How to avoid 737 MAX? ›
An easy way, for now, to avoid the 737-MAX is to figure out which airlines are flying the plane, and when. If you don't want to fly it, the simplest solution would be to choose another airline. Here's the airlines with firm orders, or letters of intent to fly the 737 MAX, many of which have already been delivered.
How much does a pilot get paid Boeing 737? ›How much does a 737 Pilot make? As of May 26, 2023, the average annual pay for a 737 Pilot in the United States is $99,206 a year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $47.70 an hour. This is the equivalent of $1,907/week or $8,267/month.
How much does a 737 airline pilot earn? ›$103,994. How accurate does $103,994 look to you? Your input helps Glassdoor refine our pay estimates over time.
What do pilots say about 737 MAX? ›One of the nation's best known airline pilots is speaking out on the problems with Boeing's 737 Max jetliner. Retired Capt. Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger told a congressional subcommittee Wednesday that an automated flight control system on the 737 Max "was fatally flawed and should never have been approved."
Does Delta fly Boeing 737 MAX? ›Delta Air Lines will add the state-of-the-art Boeing 737 MAX aircraft to its fleet, as the airline continues to refresh its fleet to elevate the in-flight customer experience while improving fuel efficiency. Delta is ordering the largest model in the MAX family, the 737-10, which will begin delivery in 2025.
What is the MCAS fix for the 737 MAX? ›- It will take input from the jet's two angle of attack sensors instead of just one. ...
- If both sensors together register a sudden movement to a high angle of attack, the system will activate once only — not repeatedly, as in the accident flights.
The FAA analysis, conducted in December 2018 about a month after the first crash, showed that over the expected lifetime of the Boeing 737 Max, about 45 years, it would be likely to be involved in 15.4 accidents involving fatalities if no improvements in light of the Lion Air crash were made.
How long can a 737 MAX 8 fly in hours? ›Fancy a near 4,000-mile B737 MAX 8 flight? (Gol's longest MAX route is third.) Photo: Nathan Coats via Wikimedia.
Is the 737 MAX 8 the same as 737 MAX? ›The 737-800 is a member of the Next Generation family, and is itself the most produced of the Next Gen models, with nearly 5,000 civilian deliveries between 1998 and 2019. Among the 737 MAX family, the 737 MAX 8 is the 737-800's most direct replacement, although 787-800s are still widely operated.
What is the 737 MAX 8 electrical problem? ›The FAA said on April 29 that it is investigating how the electrical problem occurred. Officials said the manufacturing flaw, which arose after a design change in 2019, led to insufficient electrical grounding in some cockpit areas, which could ultimately affect systems such as engine ice protection, if not addressed.
Which airline has never had a crash? ›
4 Qatar Airways
Like Etihad, the airline has never had a fatal accident, and its only hull losses have come about due to hangar fires during maintenance. Qatar Airways' planes, particularly its widebodies, are some of the industry's newest designs, and its fleet as a whole has an average age of 10.9 years old.
On May 11th, US carrier Southwest Airlines took delivery of a new Boeing 737 MAX 8. While the airline has been taking new aircraft every week, the delivery this past Thursday took its MAX 8 fleet size to 175 aircraft.
Is a Boeing 737 MAX bigger than a 737? ›The Boeing 737 MAX is heavier than the 737NG and has more fuel-efficient engines and new winglets.
How do I identify my 737 Max 8? ›Check the plane markings
Not all airlines place these markings on their aircraft and some airlines also may not include the Max name, simply writing "737" instead. If that's the case, a quick Google search of the registration number will also quickly identify whether the plane is a 737 Max.
- Airbus A380. Airbus A380 photo by Vitaly V. ...
- Embraer E-190. Embraer E190 photo by Valentin Hintikka from Finland, CC BY 2.0. ...
- Boeing 767. Boeing 767 photo by Luis Argerich from Buenos Aires, Argentina, CC BY 2.0. ...
- Airbus A319neo. ...
- Bombardier CRJ-700.
Boeing has told a US court it was not guilty of concealing information about flight control systems on its 737 Max aircraft, which led to two crashes, killing 346 people. Flaws in the systems were found to have led to the accidents, but Boeing avoided a trial by agreeing to pay $2.5bn (£1.8bn).
How many models of 737 MAX are there? ›The Boeing 737 MAX family of aircraft is produced in three variants - 737 MAX 7, 737 MAX 8 and 737 MAX 9. Credit: Boeing.
Is there a 737 MAX 7? ›CHARLESTON, South Carolina, May 31 (Reuters) - The certification of the Boeing Co (BA.N) 737 MAX 7 is taking a "considerable amount of time" due to new documentation requirements, but the planemaker still believes it can be certified by the end of the year, a company executive said on Wednesday.
Where does TUI fly 737 Max? ›MORE ABOUT THE TUI AIRWAYS 737 MAX FLEET
We have 21 MAX aircraft in our fleet flown by around 300 specially trained pilots. Our MAX fleet flies from London Gatwick, East Midlands, Cardiff, Newcastle, Manchester, Birmingham, and Bristol.
| Boeing 737 MAX | |
|---|---|
| Primary users | Southwest Airlines Ryanair United Airlines flydubai |
| Produced | 2014–present |
| Number built | 1,161 as of April 2023 |
| Developed from | Boeing 737 Next Generation |
What is the Boeing 737 MAX now called? ›
The move away from the MAX name has been a subtle process and Boeing has begun to use the name 737 MAX and 737-8(7 through 10) interchangeably. This way they are transitioning away from the MAX name toward the normal naming convention of modern Boeing aircraft.
Why are TUI using other airlines? ›In order to meet market demand, tour operator TUI regularly uses other airlines to increase TUI fly's flight capacity.
How many 737 MAX fly a day? ›The Max carries out about 2,400 mostly uneventful flights globally each day.
Does Southwest Airlines fly the 737 MAX? ›Southwest has conducted more than 200 Readiness Flights with our active 737 MAX fleet and completed thousands of hours of work, inspections, and required software updates to the aircraft so that we are prepared to welcome you back onboard.
Are jet 2 better than TUI? ›ranked each provider from top to bottom depending on their overall score, which has seen holiday firms Jet2holidays and Kuoni come out on top in joint first of the best beach and resort package providers. On the other end of the list, eDreams has been ranked at the bottom whilst TUI's rating has dropped down.
What happened to TUI flights? ›TUI cancels more flights as union warns airport chaos 'could get worse before it gets better' Hundreds of flights have been cancelled and delayed at airports across the UK, with the travel industry blaming a shortage of staff due to a lack of support from the government during the pandemic.
Where does TUI fly in the US? ›So, where do TUI fly to in America? The only destination that TUI airways currently fly directly to in America is Orlando. They cover flights to Melbourne Orlando International (MLB) from a range of UK airports.
Which US airline has the most 737 Max? ›Regarding the top operators, Southwest has more MAXs than any other carrier.
Is it safe to fly Boeing 737 MAX 8? ›Because of the sheer intensity of the scrutiny the aircraft faced, the Boeing 737 MAX could be considered one of the safest in the world. In fact, among the dozens of models of commercial airliners around the world, it is likely the safest due to the amount of regulation testing that took place.
What is the latest problem with the 737 Max? ›The latest problem comes as Boeing has been under intense scrutiny since two accidents in 2018 and 2019 involving its 737 Max planes killed 346 people. Authorities said the accidents were triggered by design flaws in its flight control software.
What is the difference between Boeing 737 MAX and regular? ›
The Boeing 737 MAX is heavier than the 737NG and has more fuel-efficient engines and new winglets.
Is 737 MAX same as 737 MAX 8? ›Boeing estimates that the average 737 MAX 7 aircraft would seat anywhere between 138 to 153 passengers. The MAX 8 would seat between 162 to 178 passengers, while the MAX 9 would seat 178 to 193 passengers, depending on the configuration.
Is the Boeing 737 MAX fly by wire? ›Actually, yes. The Boeing 737 MAX makes use of fly-by-wire. This was one of the major changes from the Next Generation Family.