The Singapore carrier SilkAir has grounded all its six Boeing 737 MAX 8 planes following the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) decision to suspend all Boeing 737 MAX flights into and out of Singapore for safety reasons. Affected SilkAir passengers are being asked to contact the airline.

CAAS announced its decision on Tuesday (March 12) following the Ethiopian Airlines crash in Addis Ababa on Sunday killing 157 people. It was the second Boeing 737 MAX 8 crash in five months. A Lion Air 737 MAX 8 crashed in Indonesia in October last year, killing 189 people.

Singapore Airlines’ subsidiary SilkAir said: ”Customers affected by the Boeing 737 MAX 8 flight disruptions who require assistance may email SQ_support@singaporeair.com.sg with their six-character booking reference number and contact details, or contact our Singapore hotline at +65 6223 8888. As we are experiencing high call volumes at our call centres, we strongly encourage customers to email for any assistance.”

“SilkAir currently has six 737 MAX 8s,” the airline said on Tuesday. “As of this morning, all six aircraft have been grounded in Singapore and will not be returned to service until further notice. Its 17 Boeing 737-800NGs are not affected. The withdrawal from service of the 737 MAX 8 fleet will have an impact on some of the airline’s flight schedules. Customers who may be affected by flight disruptions will be contacted for re-accommodation.”
SilkAir advised: “Customers are advised to update their contact details or subscribe to a mobile notification service to receive updates to their flight status. Customers may also check our website regularly for updates.“

CAAS said: “During the temporary suspension, CAAS will gather more information and review the safety risk associated with the continued operation of the Boeing 737 MAX aircraft into and out of Singapore.

“CAAS is closely monitoring the situation and is in close communication with the US Federal Aviation Administration and other aviation regulators, as well as Boeing.”