This is what happens when you let the financial dicks push out the engineering dicks. Plain and simple.

The C919 looks more attractive every time the MAX stumbles

The timing with the MAX 7 exemption request is special.

https://www.seattletimes.com/business/boeing-aerospace/boeing-wants-faa-to-exempt-max-7-from-safety-rules-to-get-it-in-the-air/

Hamstrung by a snafu involving misdrilled holes on its 737 jet fuselages, the plane maker booked a $1.64 billion third-quarter loss and lowered delivery goals this year for the narrowbody jet, which accounts for the bulk of the company’s output.

No relation, promise.

Finally the FAA has shown some initiative