Boeing delivers 737 MAX jet to China, ending four-year freeze

Boeing, is set to deliver its first 737 MAX to a Chinese airline since March 2019 on Wednesday, flight data shows, ending a four-year freeze on imports of the U.S. planemaker's most profitable product in a respite for severely strained trade relations between the world's two largest economies.

For Boeing, the delivery symbolizes the re-opening of doors to China, one of the fastest-growing aerospace markets, which Boeing projects will compose 20% of the world's aircraft demand through 2042. It represents a vote of confidence for the planemaker during a difficult period for Boeing following a Jan. 5 mid-air cabin blowout during a full flight.

Chinese imports of the MAX have been suspended since it was grounded worldwide in 2019 following two fatal crashes in 2018 and 2019. Safety bans have been lifted with existing MAX already flying inside China, but new deliveries had remained on hold.

Boeing has faced increased scrutiny following the Jan. 5 mid-air incident on an Alaska Airlines flight. Nobody was seriously injured, but the FAA grounded 171 MAX 9s after the incident.

A 737 MAX 8 for China Southern Airlines is scheduled to depart from Seattle Boeing field in Washington state at 9 a.m. Pacific Time (1200 ET) for Honolulu, flight data from FlightRadar 24 shows, before its final destination in China.

Boeing declined to comment.

The MAX handover comes after Boeing made its first direct delivery of a 787 Dreamliner to a Chinese customer since 2019.

However, the trajectory of future deliveries remains uncertain, and it's unclear whether the event represents a real reset of Boeing's relationship with China or a temporary political concession.

The MAX handover comes after Boeing made its first direct delivery of a 787 Dreamliner to a