Boeing 737 MAX 8
LOCATION: NATIONAL
Issue/Source: BOEING 737 MAX 8 RETURN TO SERVICE UPDATE
Date: APRIL 27, 2021
Suggested Responses
- Transport Canada aviation safety experts completed their independent review of the design changes to the Boeing 737 MAX aircraft recently certified by the United States’ Federal Aviation Administration, and have validated these changes. This means that these modifications can be incorporated on Canadian registered aircraft.
- As a final step, on January 20, 2021, Transport Canada lifted the Notice to Airmen which had prohibited the commercial operation of the aircraft in Canadian airspace.
- Throughout the process, Transport Canada has worked extensively with the Federal Aviation Administration and other key certifying authorities, as well as the three Canadian operators of the Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, and their pilot unions to ensure all factors were addressed prior to a safe return to service of the aircraft.
IF PRESSED
- Prior to allowing the return to service of the aircraft, Transport Canada outlined, in its January 18, 2021 Airworthiness Directive, the required modifications to be made to the aircraft and the training requirements to be implemented by the operators.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Return to Service
- On January 18, 2021, Transport Canada issued an Airworthiness Directive for the Boeing 737 MAX, outlining the required modifications to be made to the aircraft prior to a return to service in Canadian airspace. It addresses Transport Canada’s outstanding safety concerns and concluds the department’s review of the aircraft.
- In addition to all reviews, and to provide additional assurances that all measures are in place, an Interim Order that clearly indicated Transport Canada’s expectations and requirements for additional training for crew members was also issued for operators. It was complementary to the design and maintenance requirements of the Airworthiness Directive
- As a final step in this process, on January 20, 2021, Transport Canada lifted the existing Notice to Airmen which had prohibited the commercial operation of the aircraft in Canadian airspace since March 2019. This allows for commercial operations of the Boeing 737 MAX to resume in Canadian airspace. Foreign operators are also now allowed to fly their Boeing 737 MAX aircraft into Canada.