Greater Bay Airlines’ Expansion Plans Face Hurdles Amid Boeing 737-9 Certification Delays

Greater Bay Airlines, based at Hong Kong International Airport, faces uncertainties in its fleet expansion strategy due to potential delays in the certification of the B737-9 aircraft. The recently launched airline, which currently operates five B737-800s, had placed an order for fifteen B737-9s in March 2023, with deliveries scheduled from later this year through 2027. However, the certification process for the B737 MAX types in Hong Kong may encounter setbacks following a recent inflight incident involving the aircraft model in the United States.

In early January 2024, an Alaska Airlines flight experienced an emergency exit door blowout on a B737-9, leading to temporary global groundings of the type for inspections. This incident has raised concerns about the certification process for Greater Bay Airlines’ planned fleet expansion. Stanley Hui, the CEO of Greater Bay Airlines, expressed concerns to Bloomberg, stating that the incident would likely lead to more stringent scrutiny by Hong Kong’s Civil Aviation Department.

Currently, Greater Bay Airlines connects Hong Kong with various international destinations, including Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, Osaka, Manila, Seoul, Taipei, and Tokyo. The airline, which commenced revenue flights in mid-2022, views the B737-9 as crucial for its future growth and route expansion.

In response to the incident, Greater Bay Airlines issued a statement emphasizing its commitment to flight safety and its proactive approach in communicating with both Boeing and the Hong Kong Civil Aviation Department. The airline assured that it would closely follow developments and adhere to any new requirements set forth by aviation authorities.

The Civil Aviation Department of Hong Kong, responding to the incident, indicated to Bloomberg that it might impose additional requirements for the B737-9’s certification, pending further information.

This situation highlights the challenges airlines face when unforeseen incidents impact new aircraft types, particularly for carriers like Greater Bay Airlines that rely on specific models for their expansion plans. The outcome of the certification process and any additional requirements will be crucial for the airline’s future fleet development and operational strategies.