March 12, 2019

Chair DeFazio Statement on Crash of Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302

Washington, D.C. – “In the coming days, it is absolutely critical that we get answers as to what caused the devastating crash of Ethiopian Airlines flight 302 and whether there is any connection to what caused the Lion Air accident just five months ago. I remain concerned that international aviation regulators are providing more certainty to the flying public by grounding the 737 MAX 8 than our own FAA-- the world leader in aviation safety.  I spoke to senior officials at FAA yesterday to express my concern about the timing and breadth of its directive. I am calling on the leading safety experts at FAA to do what is necessary in a timely manner to provide certainty to the flying public that the nation’s aviation system remains exceptionally safe,” said Chair DeFazio.