WestJet and Sunwing are among 16 airlines operating the 737 MAX warned by Boeing to ground and inspect some aircraft for electrical problems, the Globe and Mail reports.
One of WestJet’s 14 737 MAX has been pulled from service, spokesperson Morgan Bell said.
“Any maintenance, if necessary, will be completed before the aircraft returns to service,” Bell said. “WestJet’s additional 13 737 MAX aircraft are not affected.”
Bell added that the new grounding has not changed WestJet’s favourable view of the MAX.
“WestJet has safely operated the 737 MAX since its return to service on 21JAN, 2021, and the airline has full confidence in the safety of the aircraft,” she said.
Sunwing said two of its four 737 MAX are affected by the suspension.
An Air Canada spokesperson said none of its 24 737 MAX are affected.
Boeing did not say how many planes in total are suspended across all affected carriers. A spokesperson for the aircraft manufacturer said the electrical problem in the new safety warning is not related to the model’s MCAS, the system which caused the Lion Air and Ethiopian Airlines crashes in 2018 and 2019, respectively.
Transport Canada said it is aware of the problem and has contacted WestJet and Sunwing.
“We are also following up with the U.S. FAA on the same issue,” said Transport Canada spokesperson Cybelle Morin.
The FAA, the U.S. transportation regulator, said it will ensure the issue is addressed.
