According to Reuters, Singapore Airlines executives said on Tuesday that the 737MAX aircraft is expected to resume flights before the end of the year, which is a positive sign of the aircraft's return to the Asian market.

In September this year, Singapore’s aviation regulatory agency approved the 737MAX to go back, but Singapore Airlines has not resumed the 737MAX service because it needs approval from other countries to fly the 737MAX in their airspace and land.

Lee Lik Hsin, Executive Vice President of Commercial Affairs of Singapore Airlines, said, “Of course we hope to return as soon as possible and we will definitely achieve this goal before the end of this year.”

Asian countries such as India, Malaysia, Australia and Japan have approved the 737MAX to go back to flight, while countries such as China and Indonesia have not yet approved. Boeing Chief Executive David Calhoun said last month that he was working hard to get China's approval before the end of the year.

Singapore Airlines has 6 737MAX aircraft in its fleet (combined by SilkAir) and another 31 orders.