New Delhi: Jet Airways’ five B737 MAX aircraft are currently not operational, the airline said in a statement. The clarification came after 157 people on board a Nairobi-bound Ethiopian Airlines flight (Boeing 737 MAX 8) were killed after the plane crashed on Sunday shortly after taking off from Bole International Airport in Addis Ababa.
“Jet Airways is deeply saddened by the unfortunate accident involving a B737 MAX aircraft of Ethiopian Airways. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the bereaved families and friends and all our colleagues from the aviation community impacted by this tragedy.”
“The airline is in contact with the manufacturer and the regulator in context of this development, and remains committed to implementing all directives or advisories that may be published by those authorised,” read the statement issued by the airline.
Jet Airways has placed orders for 225 737 MAX planes with Boeing and some have already been delivered. SpiceJet too has a deal with Boeing for up to 205 aircraft, including at least 155 737 MAX 8 planes. The fuel-efficient 737 MAX is the fastest-selling plane in Boeing’s history. The plane-maker has accumulated nearly 4,700 orders from more than 100 customers worldwide.
Soon after the crash, Ethiopian Airlines authorities outlined that the pilot had reported technical difficulties after takeoff and asked for clearance to return to Addis Ababa. The CEO, Tewolde Gebremariam, added that the pilot had flown more than 8,000 hours and had an “excellent flying record.” The exact cause behind the crash is being investigated.