Ottawa to keep Boeing 737 MAX grounded for now, despite U.S. decision

OTTAWA — Canada will not immediately follow the U.S. in allowing the Boeing 737 MAX aircraft to return to Canadian airspace.

Minister of Transport Marc Garneau said in a statement Wednesday that Canada will impose different requirements than the U.S. before it lifts the grounding orders for the plane, including additional procedures on the flight deck and pre-flight and differences in training for flight operators.

“We acknowledge that the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has released an Airworthiness Directive for the Boeing 737 MAX aircraft,” a statement from Garneau reads. “Through this directive, the FAA is mandating its approved changes made to the Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, and confirms it can return to service in U.S. airspace.”

The flight restrictions for the operation of the Boeing 737 MAX aircraft in Canadian airspace remain in effect and will not be lifted until the department is fully satisfied that all its safety concerns have been addressed. Read my statement here https://t.co/TIyarMn5Iu pic.twitter.com/McuVhct5nn

— Marc Garneau (@MarcGarneau) November 18, 2020

Garneau notes that Transport Canada has “worked extensively with the FAA” as well as other authorities “throughout the validation process of the aircraft to address all factors necessary toward a safe return to service of the aircraft.”

His remarks followed a U.S. announcement allowing the Boeing 737 MAX to fly again once the company makes changes to the software and computer systems on each plane and provides training to pilots in flight simulators.

The planes have been grounded since March 2019, following two deadly crashes in which 346 people were killed, including 18 Canadians.

Investigators found that the crashes were caused by faulty sensors that pushed the aircraft’s nose downward in flight.

Garneau says he expects Transport Canada’s validation process to conclude very soon.

“Transport Canada safety experts continue their independent validation process to determine whether to approve the proposed changes to the aircraft,” his statement reads, adding there will be differences between what the FAA has approved and what Canada will require.

“These differences will include additional procedures on the flight deck and pre-flight, as well as differences in training.”

The restrictions around the operation of Boeing 737 MAX jets will continue until Transport Canada’s concerns have been addressed, Garneau adds.