KUALA LUMPUR: The Boeing 737-8 and Boeing 737-9 (B737 MAX) are now being allowed to resume operations in Malaysia, following the release of the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) Safety Directive 01/2021.
CAAM chief executive officer Captain Chester Voo Chee Soon said the government agency had today approved the operations of the B737 MAX here after the aircraft was suspended from operating on March 13, 2019.
The approval came after the release of CAAM Safety Directive 01/2021 - Operations of Boeing 737-8/-9 (MAX), dated September 2, 2021.
CAAM said this revoked the previous safety directive issued on March 13, 2019, prohibiting B737 MAX 8 in Malaysia.
"This new directive applies to both Malaysian and foreign air operators that intend to conduct commercial flights with the Boeing 737 MAX aircraft into, within or out of Malaysian airspace," Voo said in a statement today.
He said CAAM had closely monitored the approval process and the extensive work undertaken by all parties involved, particularly from The Boeing Company and the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
"CAAM recognised the work of the FAA as the State of Design and accepted the comprehensive return-to-service requirements set by the FAA for the Boeing 737 MAX," he said.
Concerning this, Voo said all operators should comply with the requirements as stated in CAAM's directive before the first commercial flight performed by Boeing 737 MAX aircraft into, within or out of Malaysian airspace.
"CAAM would like to reassure that all aircraft operating into Malaysia comply with all regulatory, technical, and testing requirements.
"CAAM will continue to monitor the situation and ensure strict compliance with regulations and directives. Any violations will be dealt with seriously," he added.
The previous suspension of B737 MAX included flying to or from Malaysia and transiting in Malaysia.
This was due to two fatal accidents from Ethiopian Airlines and a Lion Air flight in less than five months between 2018 and 2019.
However, CAAM said no Malaysian carriers operated the Boeing 737 MAX 8 during the suspension period.