Canada’s WestJet resumes operations of its Boeing 737 MAX aircraft

Canadian carrier WestJet has resumed operations of its Boeing 737 MAX after temporarily grounding the aircraft for nearly two years.

The Boeing 737 MAX was suspended worldwide following two fatal crashes in Indonesia and Ethiopia in October 2018 and March 2019 respectively. The crashes claimed the lives of 346 people.

The first WestJet 737 MAX flight, WS115, departed from Calgary to Vancouver with 71 passengers onboard.

The passengers were WestJet president and CEO Ed Sims, along with other company officials.

The carrier’s second 737 MAX flight, WS122, took off from Vancouver to Calgary.

The first flight follows Transport Canada’s review completion of Boeing 737 MAX and issuance an airworthiness directive (AD) for the aircraft.

Earlier this month, WestJet also announced that the aircraft operations will be conducted in a phased and transparent manner.

WestJet Master Executive Council Chair, Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) captain David Colquhoun said: “For nearly two years, ALPA has been working tirelessly with Transport Canada, international regulators, and airline management on reviewing the MAX and the revised pilot training requirements needed to safely return this aircraft to service.

“No-one knows better than airline pilots what is needed to be adequately prepared and trained to manage the handling qualities of this renewed aircraft.

“Today, as we usher the safe return of the MAX in Canada, ALPA will continue to provide its expertise and voice of safety in future discussions.”

Last month, American Airlines flew the troubled aircraft’s first commercial flight in the US from Miami International Airport to New York’s LaGuardia Airport.