Return of Boeing 737 MAX 8

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has urged regulatory bodies across the world to align their pre-conditions and schedule for return of Boeing 737 MAX 8 into service. The appeal followed a statement from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the US aviation regulatory body, a day before making it clear that each country will take an independent decision on the return of Boeing 737 MAX 8. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in India too, has made it clear that it will do its due diligence on the matter, including on simulated training for pilots, before it allows airlines to use the aircraft in Indian skies.

“We are advising alignment among regulators on conditions and schedule for reentry of Boeing 737 MAX 8s,” IATA Chief Alexandre de Juniac said at a global teleconference with the press ahead of the 40th Assembly of International Civil Aviation Organisation in Montreal, Canada. He explained that varying stands on re-induction of the plane would mean that it can fly in one country’s airspace, but not in the neighbouring country. It will also lead to mistrust in a single system of certification such as the European Aviation Safety Authority (EASA). The Boeing 737 Max has been grounded globally since a fatal Ethiopian Airlines crash in March and a similar deadly accident with Indonesia’s Lion Air last year.