Boeing has faced a number of issues in recent years, including the grounding of its 737 Max after two fatal crashes.

Lawyers for the families argue that they were blindsided by the 2021 controversial deferred prosecution agreement with the government that granted the company legal immunity, and weren’t consulted on its terms.

The proceedings mean that, for the first time, the company will be formally charged in court in relation to the two crashes, and will have to plead guilty or not guilty.

One factor working in China’s favor is that unlike Western carriers, airlines in China have largely continued to operate their fleets domestically throughout.

China’s surprise decision to drop border curbs earlier in January has given the industry a boost following earlier projections for a reopening much later in 2023.

Two new versions of the jet can now be certified without major modifications, but safety changes are required on all Max models.

The next stage of development will see it spooled up using 100% sustainable aviation fuel, a kerosene replacement that’s set to play a key role in cutting net emissions in coming few years.

Over the past two decades, Boeing and its European rival Airbus have turned to more fuel-efficient and profitable aircraft; widebody planes with two engines instead of the 747’s four.

The proposal is the latest reform taken by FAA after it and Boeing failed to identify the flaw that contributed to the Max crashes in 2018 and 2019.