Boeing 737 MAX is cleared for take-off by CAA

The Civil Aviation Authority has cleared the Boeing 737 MAX aircraft to fly again in the UK, subject to ‘close oversight’.

The aircraft was grounded worldwide in 2019 after it was involved in two fatal crashes, one in Indonesia in 2018 and the other in Ethiopia just a few months later.

It was approved to fly again in the US late last year following a number of safety modifications, and it has since flown in the US.

The European air safety agency and Transport Canada has also previously approved the modifications to the 737 MAX.

The CAA said its decision followed design modifications to the aircraft itself, how it is flown and to pilot training.

"This has included modification to the aircraft’s Manoeuvring Characteristics Augmentation System and other key safety changes aimed at preventing further accidents," it said.

"The CAA has been closely involved in this approval work and the extensive process undertaken by all involved."

TUI is currently the only UK operator of the 737 MAX, although Ryanair has more than 200 on order. TUI has said passengers will be given the option to move their flight if they don’t want to travel on the 737 MAX but Ryanair has said it won’t offer free changes.

The CAA said it is in close contact with TUI as it returns its aircraft to service.

"As part of this we will have full oversight of the airline’s plans including its pilot training programmes and implementation of the required aircraft modifications."

The removal of the airspace ban will also allow foreign airlines to fly the Boeing 737 MAX in UK airspace.

All airlines, however, will need to go through the necessary steps to return the aircraft to service, including pilot training, so this may result in flights of the type into the UK not being seen immediately, said the CAA.

Richard Moriarty, CAA Chief Executive, said: "Our thoughts remain with those affected by the tragic accidents of the Boeing 737 MAX.

"This is not a decision we have taken lightly and we would not have allowed a return to service for UK operators, or lifted the ban on the aircraft operating in UK airspace, unless we were satisfied that the aircraft type is airworthy and can be operated safely.

"The international work to return the Boeing 737 MAX to the skies has been the most extensive project of this kind ever undertaken in civil aviation and shows how important the cooperation between states and regulators is to maintaining safety."

The CAA said it has based its decision to allow a return to service on detailed information from EASA, the FAA and Boeing, in addition to extensive engagement with airline operators and pilot representative organisations.

The CAA worked alongside EASA, as our technical agent, reviewing its work as the validating authority.

"During this process the UK has been fully sighted on the technical assurance activity conducted by EASA. Additionally, the UK participated in pilot training forums and simulator evaluations," it added.