Canada's larger airlines are said to be preparing marketing schemes to smooth the reintroduction of the B737 MAX to the skies.

The MAX was grounded in March 2019 after two crashes in Indonesia and Ethiopia 346 people.

 

Boeing only recently rectified the software problem and other issues with the jet.

 

WestJet says research shows travellers are apprehensive about flying in general during the pandemic and even more uncomfortable about flying on a MAX.

 

The majority surveyed - 64 per cent - said they would avoid flying on the Max altogether.

 

The survey contrasts with US surveys in 2019-20 that indicated most passengers were not 'too worried' about the MAX and many did not even know it was a MAX that was involved in the two fatal crashes.

 

WestJet hopes to return its MAX fleet to service on January 21, pending Transport Canada approval. 

 

Anyone booking a MAX flight will be able to change to another flight on another plane if they wish to do so.

 

Air Canada hopes to start flying the Max on February 1 with a similar policy.