Muscat: The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) announced today that the Boeing 737 Max aircraft is permitted to return to service to and from Oman’s airports.

The decision was issued in the Safety Circular number 3/2021 under which the CAA requires airlines wishing to operate the Boeing 737 MAX to meet all airworthiness and training requirements.

The Civil Aviation Authority indicates that achieving the highest levels of aviation safety is a top priority for the CAA as the Sultanate was one of the first countries in the world to suspend this type of aircraft on 12th March 2019.

The CAA also pointed out that the decision to allow the operation of Boeing 737 Max aircraft came in coordination with the international community in the field of civil aviation and after ensuring that Boeing met all the necessary measures and requirements for flight safety on this aircraft.

The return also comes on the basis of successful tests and inspections conducted by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) of the United States of America and the approval of the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and civil aviation authorities in a number of other countries.

Oman Air, the national carrier of the Sultanate, currently has five Boeing 737 MAX aircraft.

The CAA has confirmed that the re-operation of these aircraft will not be authorized until they complete all necessary airworthiness modifications and pilot training. Moreover, the aircraft will be subjected to evaluation and audit by the CAA.

The operations of any foreign carriers for this type of aircraft to Omani airports will also be subject to airworthiness, licensing procedures, and training certificates granted by the civil aviation authority of the aircraft registration state.