China’s Civil Aviation Administration (CAAC) mandated an immediate halt to Boeing 737 MAX operations by 6 p.m. on Monday, following the March 10 Ethiopian Airlines crash that killed 157 people. The directive followed a similar October 2018 Lion Air disaster that claimed 189 lives, both involving newly delivered 737 MAX 8 aircraft.
The CAAC stated the suspension aligned with its safety protocols, emphasizing similarities between the two incidents during takeoff. The agency confirmed collaboration with Boeing and the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to assess risks before resuming flights, while referencing a 2017 mutual recognition agreement between China and the FAA.
Flight tracking data showed no 737 MAX 8 aircraft over China by Monday morning. Major carriers like Air China, China Southern, and China Eastern grounded their fleets, while regional operators such as Fiji Airways and Singapore Airlines maintained operations but pledged ongoing safety reviews.
U.S. officials expressed uncertainty about China’s decision, noting the 737 MAX’s U.S. safety record and lack of conclusive evidence linking the crashes. The move reflects China’s efforts to assert regulatory independence, despite challenges in gaining FAA approval for its C919 aircraft, a process that began after the 2017 bilateral agreement.
Investigations into the Indonesian crash remain ongoing, with preliminary reports highlighting maintenance, training, and Boeing’s anti-stall system as potential factors. The Ethiopian crash’s cause is under review, with no official findings released as of Monday.
China’s 96 active 737 MAX jets will remain grounded until safety concerns are resolved. Other operators, including Cayman Airways, have also paused 737 MAX flights pending further information.
