New Zealand CAA clears return of Boeing 737 MAX

The Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand has cleared the way for the Boeing 737 MAX return to the country’s sky.

The CAA’s announcement on 24 June, stated the authority’s approval initially covers two out of five Boeing 737 MAX planes from the Fiji Airways fleet. The remaining three airline’s jets of the type will have to wait for a separate approval before returning to operations in the country.

Prior to making the decision, the CAA of New Zealand cooperated with the CAA of Fiji and completed a thorough safety review to ensure that all the required improvements have been implemented on the two Fiji Airways’ planes. The CAA‘s approval means that Fiji Airways, the only MAX operator which used to serve airports of New Zealand before the jet grounding in 2019, will now be able to resume operations in the country.

“We have thoroughly and independently reviewed the work undertaken by Fiji Airways to bring their 737 MAX aircraft back into service and are confident these aircraft are safe to return to operation,” the CAA Deputy Chief Executive David Harrison was quoted in the authority‘s statement.

“The date for these aircraft being added to flight schedules between New Zealand and Fiji hasn’t yet been decided given the evolving COVID-19 situation. But passengers can be assured that no stone has been left unturned to ensure all the necessary safety improvements have been put in place so that when these aircraft return to New Zealand’s skies, they do so safely,” he added.