Singapore suspends Boeing 737 Max flights

This will affect SilkAir, China Southern Airlines, Garuda Indonesia, Shandong Airlines and Thai Lion Air operating in Singapore.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) is temporarily suspending operation of all variants of the Boeing 737 MAX aircraft into and out of Singapore, taking effect on 12 March 2019.

This announcement follows two fatal accidents involving Boeing 737 MAX aircraft in less than five months.

SilkAir, which operates 6 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, will be affected by the temporary suspension. The other airlines currently operating Boeing 737 MAX aircraft to Singapore are China Southern Airlines, Garuda Indonesia, Shandong Airlines and Thai Lion Air. CAAS is working with Changi Airport Group and the affected airlines to minimise any impact to travelling passengers.

"SilkAir currently has six 737 MAX 8s. The safety of our customers and crew is our highest priority. As of this morning, all six aircraft have been grounded in Singapore and will not be returned to service until further notice. Our 17 Boeing 737-800NGs are not affected," SilkAir announced through their Facebook page.

SilkAir added that as this will affect some of their scheduled flights, they will contact the customers involved for reaccommodation. The firm assured that they will continue to provide updates on the affected flights as well.

During the temporary suspension, CAAS will gather more information and review the safety risk associated with the continued operation of the Boeing 737 MAX aircraft into and out of Singapore. CAAS is closely monitoring the situation and is in close communication with the US Federal Aviation Administration and other aviation regulators, as well as Boeing.

The suspension will be reviewed as relevant safety information becomes available.