Boeing's 737 MAX-9 airplanes are returning to the skies after a going through a new federal inspection process, CEO Dave Calhoun says.

Boeing slashed production on its widebody programs, delayed the arrival of its newest jet, and confirmed the demise of its iconic 747, as it reported a bigger-than-expected quarterly loss on Wednesday.

The company has been unable to deliver any 737 MAX aircraft since the plane was grounded worldwide in March after two fatal crashes that killed 346 people.