A Boeing 737-7 Max aircraft lands at north side of Boeing Field in Seattle, Washington, US, after completing a flight testing to be re-certified on June 29, 2020. Reuters.
A Boeing 737-7 Max aircraft lands at north side of Boeing Field in Seattle, Washington, US, after completing a flight testing to be re-certified on June 29, 2020. Reuters.
A Boeing 737-7 Max aircraft lands at north side of Boeing Field in Seattle, Washington, US, after completing a flight testing to be re-certified on June 29, 2020. Reuters.
A Boeing 737-7 Max aircraft lands at north side of Boeing Field in Seattle, Washington, US, after completing a flight testing to be re-certified on June 29, 2020. Reuters.

UAE mulls return of Boeing 737 Max to its airspace, regulator says


Deena Kamel
  • English
  • Arabic

The UAE is considering the return of the Boeing 737 Max to its airspace after a 15-month grounding of the narrowbody jet, according to the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA).

The UAE's decision on whether to approve the return of the 737 Max to service is dependent on Boeing and the US aviation regulator's current certification activities, the GCAA said in a statement on Wednesday.

"The GCAA is closely working with the US Federal Aviation Administration, (FAA), Boeing and UAE operators on B737Max return to service since its grounding after two tragic accidents," Saif Al Suwaidi, the GCAA's director-general, said. "We are in regular discussions with the FAA and Boeing on all aspects of the certification including design, test flights and training for the flight crew."

The UAE is home to Flydubai, the second-biggest customer of the 737 Max jet that was grounded globally after two fatal crashes in Indonesia and Ethiopia within a span of five months. The GCAA's comments come after Boeing and the FAA began a series of long-awaited flights to test the safety of the re-vamped jet on Monday.

The UAE aviation regulator remains in "close coordination" with other major regulators globally to share information and benefit from their experience, it said.

''The GCAA is committed to ensuring highest standards of safety in the UAE skies and will work towards return to service of B737Max until acceptable safety standards are achieved,'' Mr Al Suwaidi said.

The UAE aviation regulator previously said it will conduct its own safety assessment on the jet after Boeing and the FAA have completed their own checks and reviews.

Coordination among global regulators on the requirements and timeline of the jet's return to service would provide a boost to Boeing's best-selling jet, allowing the plane maker to return the 737 Max to service in major markets in a more aligned manner.

The International Air Transport Association (Iata) has repeatedly warned that a fragmented approach by regulators may lead to mistrust in the jet certification process.

The three-day certification test campaign for the 737 Max that started this week is a major milestone in its return to the skies, after long delays and a series of concerns flagged by engineers and regulators.

Boeing's worst crisis in its corporate history has been compounded by the Covid-19 pandemic that brought the travel industry to a grinding halt and dented aircraft demand.

The White Lotus: Season three

Creator: Mike White

Starring: Walton Goggins, Jason Isaacs, Natasha Rothwell

Rating: 4.5/5

German intelligence warnings
  • 2002: "Hezbollah supporters feared becoming a target of security services because of the effects of [9/11] ... discussions on Hezbollah policy moved from mosques into smaller circles in private homes." Supporters in Germany: 800
  • 2013: "Financial and logistical support from Germany for Hezbollah in Lebanon supports the armed struggle against Israel ... Hezbollah supporters in Germany hold back from actions that would gain publicity." Supporters in Germany: 950
  • 2023: "It must be reckoned with that Hezbollah will continue to plan terrorist actions outside the Middle East against Israel or Israeli interests." Supporters in Germany: 1,250 

Source: Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The specs: 2019 Mercedes-Benz C200 Coupe


Price, base: Dh201,153
Engine: 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder
Transmission: Nine-speed automatic
Power: 204hp @ 5,800rpm
Torque: 300Nm @ 1,600rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 6.7L / 100km

What can victims do?

Always use only regulated platforms

Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion

Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)

Report to local authorities

Warn others to prevent further harm

Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence

PRIMERA LIGA FIXTURES

All times UAE ( 4 GMT)

Saturday
Atletico Madrid v Sevilla (3pm) 
Alaves v Real Madrid (6.15pm) 
Malaga v Athletic Bilbao (8.30pm) 
Girona v Barcelona (10.45pm)

Sunday
Espanyol v Deportivo la Coruna (2pm) 
Getafe v Villarreal (6.15pm) 
Eibar v Celta Vigo (8.30pm)
Las Palmas v Leganes (8.30pm)
Real Sociedad v Valencia (10.45pm)

Monday
Real Betis v Levante (11.pm)

What is a black hole?

1. Black holes are objects whose gravity is so strong not even light can escape their pull

2. They can be created when massive stars collapse under their own weight

3. Large black holes can also be formed when smaller ones collide and merge

4. The biggest black holes lurk at the centre of many galaxies, including our own

5. Astronomers believe that when the universe was very young, black holes affected how galaxies formed

Brief scores

Day 1

Toss England, chose to bat

England, 1st innings 357-5 (87 overs): Root 184 not out, Moeen 61 not out, Stokes 56; Philander 3-46

Who's who in Yemen conflict

Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government

Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council

Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south

Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory

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Five expert hiking tips
    Always check the weather forecast before setting off Make sure you have plenty of water Set off early to avoid sudden weather changes in the afternoon Wear appropriate clothing and footwear Take your litter home with you