FAA grounding of Boeing 737 MAX affected three American Airlines routes serving U.S. Virgin Islands

The Federal Aviation Administration on March 13, 2019, ordered the temporary grounding of Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, a move that affected three American Airlines routes serving the U.S. Virgin Islands, according to Government House.

Government House said two American Airlines flights between St. Croix and Miami and one of two flights between St. Thomas and Miami were operated with the 737 MAX. It said flights to and from the territory on other carriers and from other cities were not affected.

Government House said American Airlines Flight 943 departed St. Thomas for Miami on March 13, 2019, while Flight 1293 from Miami to St. Croix was grounded at Henry E. Rohlsen Airport. It said the evening Miami-St. Croix flight, Flight 2317, was canceled, and efforts were underway to secure another aircraft to transport passengers to the mainland.

Tourism Commissioner nominee Joseph Boschulte said staff were at the St. Croix airport to assist passengers and advised travelers to confirm plans with their airlines before going to the airport.

Government House said the FAA action followed reports of two fatal crashes involving new Boeing 737 MAX aircraft in the previous six months in Asia and Africa.

Official source: https://www.vi.gov/governor-bryan-updates-the-traveling-public-as-faa-orders-temporary-grounding-of-boeing-737-max-aircraft/