U.S. lawmakers discussing a compromise solution to certify Boeing's two 737 MAX models - reports

Senate and House lawmakers are ramping up discussions on a compromise measure to allow Boeing (NYSE: BA) to certify its two 737 MAX models, according to several media reports.

Senator Maria Cantwell of Washington, the Democratic chairwoman of the Commerce Committee, proposed that Boeing adds an additional sensor system, which is already being tested on the Max 10 aircraft. Boeing would be required to cover the costs of the mandatory safety enhancements retrofit for MAX planes currently in service, according to Reuters.

"We do want to push for safety enhancements and we'll see what happens - some people just want a straight extension ... Safety should be the focus, not a date, safety," Senator Cantwell told Reuters.

Cantwell’s proposal doesn’t include a deadline for the MAX 7/10 certification. The Senator is also looking to get this Bill through Congress as a straight extension.

Bloomberg News also reported on progress in talks, although it noted that the proposal is opposed by family members of passengers who died in the crashes of two 737 Max planes in 2018 and 2019.

In case Boeing misses a December 27 deadline, the company is facing a multibillion-dollar redesign of the 737-flight deck as well as further delivery delays for its two Max models. The company’s CEO Dave Calhoun said Boeing could abolish plans to produce Max 10 if Congress doesn’t grant an extension to the deadline.

The Seattle Times first reported details of Cantwell's proposal.

Boeing shares are up 1.5% in pre-open Wednesday.

By Senad Karaahmetovic

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