Singapore Boeing 737 Max planes approved for flights

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Boeing 737 Max planes used by Singapore Airlines (SIA) has now been lifted by the The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) after two crashes in Ethiopia and Indonesia involving the aircraft occurred within the space of 6 months between October 2018 and March 2019, killing 346 people. CAAS have said that they lifted the restrictions on the 737 Max after completing its technical assessment, allowing it to carry passengers in and out of Singapore once again.

Following the two fatal crashes over two years ago, investigations discovered that a faulty flight handling system known as the Manoeuvring Characteristics Augmentation System (MCAS) was the principal cause in both crashes.

The return of the use of Boeing Max 737 planes is based on operators complying with airworthiness directives and additional flight crew training requirements, which requires airline operators that operate the 737 Max in Singapore to implement a set of measures, including establishing a specified flight crew training programme. More information on the issue can be read here.

Pilots have to also go through additional simulator training to ensure they are adequately trained to handle aircraft emergencies. CAAS said SIA must prove that it has implemented all required actions before it can use the plane for commercial operations. Foreign airlines intending to operate the 737 Max will have to comply with a range of safety requirements as well.

SIA said it will continue to work closely with CAAS and relevant regulators in the coming weeks, to fulfil all of the requirements for the return of service of the planes and will announce further details on its 737-8 operations at a later date.

So what do you think? Is the Boeing 737 Max ready for flights and safe? Or are there still risks? Comment below to share your thoughts or tweet us @thetravelradar.