Ethiopia: China on Monday ordered domestic airlines to suspend commercial operation of the Boeing 737 MAX 8, citing the Ethiopian Airlines crash and another deadly accident of that same model in Indonesia.
Noting the "similarities" between the two accidents, China's Civil Aviation Administration said domestic airlines had until 6:00 pm local time (1000 GMT) to ground all 737 MAX 8 aircraft.
Also Read: Heart breaking video of panic driven passengers moments before Ethiopian crash
Operation of the model will only resume after "confirming the relevant measures to effectively ensure flight safety", the administration said in a statement.
My heartfelt condolences and sympathies to the bereaved families of the #EthiopianAirlines #ET302 plane crash. Among the victims are @UN staff members including one from @FAO. We are working to get in touch with family members and assist them in this time of tremendous pain
— José Graziano da Silva (@grazianodasilva) March 10, 2019
The aviation authority will contact the US Federal Aviation Administration and Boeing, it said.
It also mentioned the Indonesia Lion Air flight, which crashed after takeoff from Jakarta in October, killing all 189 people on board.
My condolences to the families of the Americans and all others affected by the tragic crash of Ethiopian Airlines. @USEmbassyAddis and @USEmbassyKenya are working tirelessly to offer all possible assistance.
— Secretary Pompeo (@SecPompeo) March 11, 2019
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Sunday also deplored the "devastating news" that 18 Canadian nationals were among the 157 people killed in the crash of an Ethiopian Airlines jetliner.
"Devastating news from Ethiopia this morning," Trudeau said on Twitter. "Our thoughts are with all the victims on Flight ET302, including the Canadians who were on board."
Deeply saddened by the news this morning of the plane crash in Ethiopia, claiming the lives of all on board. My heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of all the victims — including our own @UN staff — who perished in this tragedy.
— António Guterres (@antonioguterres) March 10, 2019
His office later issued a statement. "We join the international community in mourning the loss of so many lives, including those countries who have also lost citizens in this devastating crash.
My condolences to the families of four Indian nationals who have died in an unfortunate crash of Ethiopian Airlines.Sadly,a UNDP consultant attached to my ministry @moefcc Ms Shikha Garg,also died in the crash. My prayers for the departed souls. @IndiaInEthiopia @SushmaSwaraj
— Dr. Harsh Vardhan (@drharshvardhan) March 10, 2019
"I am reaching out to President of Kenya Uhuru Kenyatta and Prime Minister of Ethiopia Abiy Ahmed to express my condolences for this tragic event."
The Nairobi-bound Boeing 737 crashed minutes after an early-morning takeoff Sunday from Addis Ababa.
I am trying to reach the family of Shikha Garg who has unfortunately died in the air crash. I have tried her husband's number many times. Please help me reach her family.
— Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) March 11, 2019
People holding passports from more than 30 countries and the UN were on board, but Canadians, with 18 victims, trailed only the 32 Kenyans who died in the crash, according to the airline.
A UN source told AFP that more than a dozen people affiliated with the world body had lost their lives.
Sushma Swaraj also said the Indian Embassy in Ethiopia has informed her that the Indian nationals killed are Vaidya Pannagesh Bhaskar, Vaidya Hansin Annagesh, Nukavarapu Manisha and Shikha Garg.
"My colleague Dr Harsh Vardhan (Environment Minister) has confirmed that Ms.Shikha Garg is a Consultant with the Ministry of Environment and Forests. She was travelling to attend the UNEP meeting in Nairobi," Ms Swaraj said.
