The FAA "is following a thorough process, not a prescribed timeline, for returning the Boeing 737 MAX to passenger service," an agency spokesman said. "The FAA will lift the aircraft's prohibition order when we deem it is safe to do so." Boeing, airlines face tough path after 737 MAX grounding Michel Merluzeau, an analyst at AIR Insight Research, told AFP that it would be "good news" for Boeing if the planes do return to service in the first quarter of 2020. – Earlier MAX costs – The latest costs add to the overall financial hit from the crisis.