Originally Posted by
fruitflyer
For airlines like Southwest an FAA clearance is all that's needed. Norwegian not so much.
Originally Posted by
OldnGrounded
As a regulatory matter, FAA clearance is sufficient. But I think Southwest might have a difficult time explaining to pax why it is flying aircraft that other major CAAs are not willing to allow in their airspace. It doesn't take much imagination to visualize the headlines.
This is true, but only one of the issues. In an FAA-only scenario:
- Insurers are bound to be very reluctant to cover the aircraft & its contents
- US airlines (including SWA) couldn't fly a MAX to or from Mexico or Canada, or even to Alaska if that involved going through Canadian air-space
The absolute minimum would be to carry the Mexican and Canadian authorities along with the USA. IIRC, Transport Canada said that simulator training would be required, and the Mexican government owes the US Government a favour just now because ... ah, no, not so much.
Even if a MAX can be flown in the USA, Canada and Mexico, there still might be major insurance problems if EASA and CAAC hold off