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Following EASA Airworthiness Directive, IAA in position to allow plane fly again

Following a decision by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) Aviation Regulator has today confirmed it is now in a position to lift the suspension of operations of the Boeing 737 MAX aircraft into and out of Irish airspace. 

Earlier today, EASA issued an Airworthiness Directive for the Boeing 737 MAX, mandating a package of software upgrades, electrical wiring rework, maintenance checks, operations-manual updates and pilot training. This package has been developed by Boeing to address the safety concerns raised by EASA. 

IAA Aviation Regulator, Mr. Diarmuid Ó Conghaile, said that “the publication of this directive sets out the requirements for the MAX to return to service and any 737 MAX aircraft now meeting these requirements will be approved to operate in Irish airspace. EASA has conducted a comprehensive review of the measures proposed by Boeing. The IAA and other national European regulators have been involved in the EASA review process. We are satisfied that EASA’s review has been comprehensive and ensures that the aircraft is safe to return to operations in Europe.”
The IAA will now engage with airline operators to ensure that all the conditions for a return to service are met.