Deutsche says scheduled flight may indicate China cleared 737 MAX

Deutsche Bank says a Boeing 737 MAX flight for China-based 9Air, a subsidiary of Juneyao, is currently in the flight schedule for an 8 a.m. PT departure out of Boeing Field for Honolulu. While the registration number of the aircraft has not yet been loaded allowing confirmation that this is a “new” tail, this seems probable given the departing airport and destination, the analyst tells investors in a research note. The firm believes that if right, this may be a delivery flight. If the plane departs it may indicate that China has again cleared the 737 MAX for deliveries, contends Deutsche Bank. If that’s the case, there may be some upside relative to Boeing’s most recent free cash flow commentary for both Q2 and the full year, it adds. The firm has a Buy rating on Boeing with a $25 price target.