Transport Canada approves return of Boeing 737 MAX

OTTAWA (NEWS 1130) – Transport Canada has approved the return of the Boeing 737 MAX aircraft that was grounded after two deadly crashes overseas.

The agency says carriers can begin using the plane in Canadian airspace starting Wednesday, Jan. 20, providing several required modifications have been made.

Transport Canada says it has introduced “unique Canadian measures” for enhanced safety.

“In addition to all reviews, and to provide additional assurances that all measures are in place, an Interim Order that clearly indicates Transport Canada’s expectations and requirements for additional training for crew members was also issued for operators. It is complementary to the design and maintenance requirements of the Airworthiness Directive,” the agency says.

The Boeing 737 MAX was grounded in March 2019 after two deadly crashes in Ethiopia and Indonesia killed 346 people.

Transport Canada says it’s spent “well over 15,000” hours reviewing the Boeing 737 MAX and has worked with other agencies throughout the process.

“Canadians and the airline industry can rest assured that Transport Canada has diligently addressed all safety issues prior to permitting this aircraft to return to service in Canadian airspace,” says Minister of Transport Omar Alghabra.

The decision to lift the existing Notice to Airmen, which prevents operation of the aircraft in Canadian airspace, comes after the Federal Aviation Administration in November, 2020 cleared the Boeing 737 MAX for flight in the U.S.

The agency said its decision came after a “comprehensive and methodical” 20-month review.

-With files from The Associated Press

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