Originally Posted by
UltraFan
No, it wasn't. And it comes as quite a shock. I read it yesterday and still can't wrap my head around it. EASA has been saying for months that it would be doing its own assessment and then conduct its own test flights. Now, all of a sudden, they, or rather, he is saying they will lift the grounding before FAA. How is that possible!? FAA says they don't have a timeline but only safety in mind, but EASA gives a timeframe? They don't even know how the test flights will go and whether any anomalies will be discovered. EASA's position has suddenly changed dramatically in relation to the MAX and I wonder why. Especially considering the recent emails and IMs revelations.
I know I'm always a bit on the dark side, but I can't help thinking that either some money changed hands or maybe Monsieur Ky was promised a cozy position on the Boeing Board. Wouldn't be the first time.
So we may end up with a couple of weeks of time difference but we are not talking about six months; we are talking about a delay which, if it happens, will be due mostly to process or administrative technicalities.
EASA Executive Director Patrick Ky said late on Friday.
Doesn't sound like lifting the bann before FAA to me.