CAD temporarily prohibits operation of Boeing B737 MAX aircraft into, out of and over Hong Kong

     The Civil Aviation Department (CAD) announced today (March 13) that operation of all Boeing B737 MAX aircraft into, out of and over Hong Kong will be temporarily prohibited from 6pm today.

     "As stated in our press release issued yesterday (March 12), the CAD has been closely monitoring the developments, the investigation progress and the information from relevant aviation authorities. Having regard to the latest situation, the CAD has decided to temporarily prohibit operation of Boeing B737 MAX aircraft into, out of and over Hong Kong. The temporary prohibition will take effect at 6pm Hong Kong time on March 13 and continue until further notice," a spokesman for the CAD said.

     He pointed out that there were two serious accidents involving B737 MAX aircraft in less than five months and the CAD has noted that the Federation Aviation Administration of the United States (FAA) (the type-certification authority of B737 MAX aircraft) has affirmed the airworthiness of B737 MAX aircraft and the investigation into the accidents is ongoing. Over the past few days, the CAD has been in close contact with the FAA and the relevant organisations (including the two airline companies which use B737 MAX aircraft to operate flights into and out of Hong Kong International Airport).

     "The temporary prohibition is solely a precautionary measure to ensure aviation safety and protect the public," he emphasised.

     Recently, SpiceJet of India and Globus Airlines of Russia have used B737 MAX aircraft to operate flights into and out of Hong Kong International Airport. The CAD has contacted the two airline companies regarding the temporary prohibition. The two companies concerned expressed that they would fully co-operate and maintain their services with other aircraft types so as to reduce impacts on passengers.

     During the temporary prohibition, the CAD will continue to closely monitor the developments and the information of relevant aviation authorities, and will review the arrangement of the temporary prohibition in due course. 

     The CAD will continue to put aviation safety as the top priority.