China's aviation authority ordered airlines to halt operations of Boeing 737 MAX aircraft on March 11, 2019, following two fatal crashes involving the model. The directive came after an Ethiopian Airlines 737 MAX 8 crashed on March 10, killing all 157 on board, and a Lion Air 737 MAX 8 crash in October 2018 that claimed 189 lives. The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) stated the decision aligned with its safety principles, citing similarities between the two incidents during takeoff.
The CAAC emphasized collaboration with Boeing and the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration to assess risks before resuming flights. Chinese carriers operate 96 737 MAX jets, with some rerouting to older 737-800 models. A preliminary report on the Lion Air crash highlighted maintenance and training issues, though the exact cause remains under investigation.
Boeing declined to comment, while a U.S. official noted Washington lacked sufficient information to justify similar action. China has sought greater regulatory independence, including a 2017 agreement with the FAA, though its C919 aircraft remains unapproved for Western markets. Other airlines like Cayman Airways and Fiji Airways also adjusted operations, with some maintaining confidence in the 737 MAX's safety.
