Expert on possible Renton plant shutdown over 737 MAX: ‘I’ve never seen anything like this’

As Boeing mulls a temporary shutdown of its 737 MAX assembly line at its Renton plant, the company is beginning to tread into some uncharted territory.

737 MAX still not close to flying again says FAA

“In my 30-something years in the business, I’ve never seen anything like this,” aviation industry analyst Richard Aboulafia told KIRO Radio. “Looking back at aviation history, there’s really nothing like this in our experience.”

Boeing is reportedly considering halting production on the 737 MAX altogether while it waits for approval from the Federal Aviation Administration. That would have roughly 12,000 workers responsible for the 737 MAX either relocated to other facilities in the area or furloughed for the length of the shutdown.

FAA officials recently stated that there is no solid timeline as to when exactly the 737 MAX will be allowed to fly again. Most analysts expect it to get necessary federal approval by February or March of 2020. That would equal almost a full year since the controversial plane was grounded after a pair of fatal crashes.

“I think that what we’re really waiting to see is whether or not Boeing can get this issue resolved so that everyone feels safe and comfortable with the process,” CBS Business Analyst Jill Schlesinger told Seattle’s Morning News on KIRO Radio.

The effects of this shutdown also extend well beyond the Northwest, to the many other people responsible for assembling Boeing planes across the globe.

Boeing rolls out 737 MAX 10 jet in subdued ceremony

“This is not just the folks who are impacted directly in the MAX facility,” Schlesinger noted. “Remember all the different subcontractors that depend on the production of the MAX — I think that they’re really bracing for some potential losses.”

An official announcement from Boeing on the future of the 737 MAX in Renton is expected either Monday or Tuesday of this week.

Follow @NickNorthwest