Following the decision by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) this week to lift a 22-month ban on flights of the Boeing 737 MAX after a design and pilot training overhaul in the wake of crashes that killed 346 people, Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) Aviation Regulator Diarmuid Ó Conghaile has confirmed that the IAA is now in a position to lift the suspension of operations of the Boeing 737 MAX aircraft into and out of Irish airspace.
On Wednesday January 27, EASA issued an Airworthiness Directive for the Boeing 737 MAX, mandating a package of software upgrades, electrical wiring rework, maintenance checks, operations-manual updates and pilot training. This package was developed by Boeing to address the safety concerns raised by EASA.
"Satisfied That EASA's Review Has Been Comprehensive"
In a statement published on the IAA's website, Ó Conghaile said, "The publication of this directive sets out the requirements for the MAX to return to service, and any 737 MAX aircraft now meeting these requirements will be approved to operate in Irish airspace. EASA has conducted a comprehensive review of the measures proposed by Boeing. The IAA and other national European regulators have been involved in the EASA review process. We are satisfied that EASA's review has been comprehensive and ensures that the aircraft is safe to return to operations in Europe."
The IAA will now engage with airline operators to ensure that all the conditions for a return to service are met.
© 2021 Hospitality Ireland – your source for the latest industry news. Article by Dave Simpson. Click subscribe to sign up for the Hospitality Ireland print edition.
