Following the US FAA, EU Aviation Safety Agency to Lift 737 Max Flight Ban in January Next Year
"Confirmed Safe to Fly"
[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jae-hee] European regulatory authorities have decided to allow the operation of the Boeing 737 Max model, which has been banned worldwide following a series of crashes resulting in 346 deaths, starting next year, CNBC reported on the 22nd (local time).
According to the report, Patrick Ky, head of the European Union (EU) Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), stated at the online aviation conference Paris Air Forum, "We conducted our own inspections and flight tests on the Boeing 737 Max, and confirmed that the Boeing 737 Max can fly safely," adding, "The EU will lift the flight ban on the Boeing 737 Max in January next year."
This decision by EASA comes after the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) granted permission to resume flights 20 months after the suspension on the 18th.
CNBC analyzed, "EASA's decision is the most important milestone following the FAA's approval of the Boeing 737 Max," noting that "EASA is the supervisory body responsible for Airbus and holds significant influence in the industry."
The 737 Max model, regarded as Boeing's flagship due to its excellent fuel efficiency and transport capacity, sparked controversy over aircraft defects after a Lion Air aircraft belonging to Indonesia crashed into the Java Sea in October 2018. About five months later, an Ethiopian Airlines 737 Max also crashed, resulting in two consecutive accidents with a total of 346 fatalities.
Boeing acknowledged abnormalities in the control system and software following inspections, modified the problematic software as required by authorities, and replaced its management. With the consecutive crashes compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic causing a sharp decline in aircraft sales, Boeing has placed great importance on regaining operational approval for the 737 Max model.
Although flight permissions for the 737 Max have been granted in the U.S. and Europe, it is expected to take some time before commercial flights resume. Airlines need to revise pilot training programs and complete other procedures to put the aircraft back into service.
EASA's decision to resume 737 Max operations is expected to positively influence decisions by other countries. It is estimated that about 400 Boeing 737 Max aircraft remain grounded worldwide due to the ban.
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