Second Helios Boeing gets the all-clear

HELIOS Airways said yesterday that its second Boeing 737-800 had been given the all-clear after an all-out check in Sweden and has been returned to service.

An announcement from the airline said its two Boeing 737-800s had now been checked, confirming that safety was the airline’s top priority.

The company announced last week that it would be sending its remaining fleet for checking by SAS in Sweden in the wake of the crash of its Boeing 737-300 in Greece, killing 121 passengers and crew,.

“Both aircraft have now successfully completed the independent checks and re-entered operations,” the airline said.

The first Helios Airways Boeing 737 returned to Larnaca on August 25, and resumed operations. The second aircraft returned on Monday night and was scheduled to commence operations yesterday.

“The SAS – Scandinavian Airlines System – maintenance facility professionals at Stockholm Arlanda Airport carried out extensive functional system checks on the two B737s, as per the recommendations of Boeing, the aircraft manufacturer. In-depth safety checks covered the major aircraft systems, ensuring the full airworthiness of the aircraft,” Helios said.

“The maintenance programme for aircraft operated by Helios Airways is managed by a UK-based company which is certified by the UK Civil Aviation Authority. The licensed aircraft engineers and other technical staff who maintain the Helios Airways fleet are fully trained and qualified to perform these duties by appropriate authorities, in compliance with European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) regulations.”