Norwegian is the latest airline to temporarily suspend operations of Boeing 737 Max 8 aircraft and it said it made the move following recommendations by European aviation authorities.
The low-cost carrier said it will not operate any flights with this aircraft type until further notice. It operates 18 of the aircraft and has about 80 more on order.
Norwegian said it remains in close dialogue with the aviation authorities and Boeing and follow their instructions and recommendations.
The airline has more than 110 Boeing 737–800 aircraft in its fleet, which is not affected by this temporary suspension.
Norwegian’s acting chief operating fficer, Tomas Hesthammer said: “In response to the temporary suspension of Being 737 MAX operations by multiple aviation authorities we have taken the decision to not operate flights using this aircraft type until advised otherwise by the relevant aviation authorities.
“We would like to apologise to customers for any inconvenience caused, however, safety will always remain our top priority.”
Other airlines have already suspended operations of the 737 Max 8 and aviation regulators have ordered carriers to suspend use of the aircraft after the Ethiopian Airlines crash on Sunday that killed 157 people and a Lion Air 737 Max8 crashed on 30 October killing 189, but Boeing says the 737 Max 8 is safe.
Regulators in the UK, China, Singapore, Indonesia, and Australia have told airlines to suspend operations of the aircraft.
Aerolineas Argentinas, Aeromexico and Gol have temporarily grounded the aircraft. Aerolineas operates five, Aeromexico six and Gol seven.
Ethiopian Airlines has suspended its use of four, while Comair suspended the one in its fleet, Cayman Airlines has suspended operations of its two and MIAT Mongolian Airlines of the one in its fleet.
Other bigger operators of the aircraft have though kept faith though including Southwest Air, American Airlines, and Air Canada. Southwest operates 34, American 24, and Air Canada 24.
