Since March 21 2019, the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) has suspended the airworthiness certification of the Boeing 737 MAX 8.
The announcement was made today, 26 March 2019, a day after the Chinese authorities ordered 300 aircraft from the A320neo family, the direct competitor for 737 MAX.
Boeing 737 MAX 8 Airworthiness Certification
In an internal circular, CAAC officials concluded that the investigation, which is ongoing for the 2 accidents involving victims in which 737 MAX 8 aircraft were involved, did not rule out the possibility of an aircraft design problem.
"Given that the aircraft is facing uncertainties in terms of airworthiness, CAAC has decided not to issue the airworthiness certification for Boeing 737 MAX 8," said an official.
Prior to re-evaluation, Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft should receive a software update and a redesign of the MCAS (manoeuvring characteristics augmentation system).
We remind you that China's airline operators were the first to land 737 MAX 8 planes after the crash in Ethiopia, when a 737 MAX 8 Ethiopian Airlines crashed shortly after takeoff.