News
New Zealand regulator lifts 737 MAX flying ban
June 24th 2021
New Zealand's Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has lifted its grounding of the 737 MAX, clearing the way for the next-generation narrow-body to operate into the country. Read More » The CAA, as well as regulators around the world, banned the 737 MAX from New Zealand skies in March 2019, following two fatal crashes that took the lives of 346 passengers and crew. No New Zealand airlines operate the 737 MAX, but Fiji Airways had two of the type flying to New Zealand at the time of the global grounding. The CAA decision will allow Fiji Airways to return the 737 MAX to services to New Zealand. “We have thoroughly and independently reviewed the work undertaken by Fiji Airways to bring their 737 MAX aircraft back into service and are confident these aircraft are safe to return to operation,” CAA deputy CEO, David Harrison, said. “The date for these aircraft being added to flight schedules between New Zealand and Fiji has not been decided given the evolving COVID-19 situation." The CAA said two of Fiji Airways’ five 737 MAX 8s would be re-instated to the carrier's foreign air operator certificate. The remaining three aircraft would be "subject to CAA scrutiny before they are allowed to operate to New Zealand".
