Indonesia has hinted it may wait until next year before it gives a green light for Boeing 737 Max planes to fly again.
Even if the US Federal Aviation Administration approves the new Max software fix in the coming weeks, Indonesia’s air regulator will make its own judgement, in its own time, director general of Civil Aviation Polana Pramesti said.
There remain ‘lots of issues’ with more intensive pilot training likely before it is approved.
That will include comprehensive flight simulator training.
"I can’t predict whether we will keep using the aircraft," Pramesti said.
"Boeing has to assure us, the regulators, that the aircraft is safe. They also have to regain confidence from the pilots and the airlines, then educate Indonesian customers."
Lion Air is the primary 737 Max customer in Indonesia – the airline which was involved in the first crash last October.
A brand new Max jet plunged into the Java Sea shortly after takeoff from Jakarta, killing all 189 people on board.
Lion Air has another $22 billion worth or 737 Max orders and flag carrier Garuda has ordered 49 worth nearly $5 billion.
Both airlines have said they may cancel or convert the orders to other aircraft models.
Like Indonesia, China, Canada and the European Union won’t just take the FAA’s word for it, once it approves the software update.
They all plan to do their own independent assessments before allowing the jets to fly.
