U.S. congressional leaders are poised to exempt two Boeing Co. 737 Max models from a new cockpit requirement that would take effect next week, a victory that would help the planemaker avoid an expensive redesign and potentially lengthy certification delays for the jets.
Lawmakers are expected to include the controversial provision in the so-called omnibus bill expected to be released as soon as Monday, according to people familiar with the matter. The bipartisan legislation is likely to pass within days, giving Boeing a boost as it attempts to finalize approvals of the two remaining models of its best-selling aircraft family.
Under the provision, Boeing wouldn’t have to add a more modern cockpit alerting system, said the people, asking not to be identified discussing the specifics before the bill is released. The language of the bill hasn’t been released and the people warned it could change or be withdrawn.
