PUTRAJAYA – The Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) has lifted the suspension on Boeing 737 MAX operations in Malaysia, said chief executive Chester Voo today.
He said CAAM has approved the operations of the Boeing 737-8 and Boeing 737-9, or commercially known as Boeing 737 MAX, in the country, following the jets’ suspension in March 2019, with the release of the CAAM Safety Directive 01/2021 – Operations of Boeing 737-8/-9 (MAX) dated today.
“The Safety Directive 01/2021 revokes the previous Safety Directive issued on March 13, 2019 that prohibits the operations of the B737 MAX 8 in Malaysia,” said Voo in a statement today.
CAAM in March 2019 announced the suspension of Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft flying into and out of, as well as transiting in, Malaysia until further notice.
Malaysia joined countries such as Singapore, China, Indonesia and Australia in suspending operations of the aircraft following the crash of an Ethiopian Airlines 737 MAX plane en route to Nairobi from Addis Ababa on March 10, 2019 that saw all 157 people on board killed.
Voo said the new directive applies to both domestic and foreign air operators intending to conduct commercial flights with the Boeing 737 MAX into, within or out of Malaysian airspace.
“All operators shall comply with the requirements as stated in the CAAM Safety Directive 01/2021 before the first commercial flight performed by Boeing 737 MAX into, within or out of Malaysian airspace.”
The agency has closely monitored the approval process and extensive work undertaken by all parties involved, particularly Boeing and the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), he said.
“CAAM recognises the work of FAA as the state of design, and accepts the comprehensive return-to-service requirements set by FAA for the Boeing 737 MAX.”
He said CAAM reassures that all aircraft operating in Malaysia comply with regulatory, technical and testing requirements.
“CAAM will continue to monitor the situation and ensure strict compliance with the regulations and directives. Any violations will be dealt with seriously.” – Bernama, September 2, 2021
