The US Federal Aviation Administration has extended the grounded status of Boeing 737-9 Max aircraft due to stricter requirements imposed after an Alaska Airlines flight experienced a window blowout. The regulator has requested Boeing to provide additional data before approving an extensive inspection and maintenance process for returning the aircraft to service.
Additionally, 40 aircraft must undergo door plug inspections, a panel that may have caused the Alaska accident. The FAA will not approve the inspection and maintenance process until it reviews data from the initial round of 40 inspections, ensuring the highest standard of safety. The Boeing 737-9 Max will not return to the skies until it is entirely safe, with the safety of American travelers being its top priority.
Alaska Airlines made an emergency landing after a window panel blew out after take-off, causing a pressurisation issue. The incident occurred a week after Boeing urged airlines to inspect 737 Max aircraft for a possible loose bolt in the rudder control system. US carrier United Airlines discovered loose bolts in Boeing 737 Max jets following the Alaska incident, causing both Alaska and United to suspend flights until Tuesday.
The FAA announced an investigation to determine if Boeing failed to ensure completed products conformed to its approved design and were safe for operation in compliance with the watchdog’s regulations. Both Alaska and United have suspended Boeing 7377-9 Max flights until Tuesday.
The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) plans to increase supervision of Boeing’s production line as it reassesses safety risks following the Alaska incident. Boeing stocks closed down over 8% after the incident. Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun has called for the company to accept fault and make amends.
The FAA will determine if Boeing’s inspection and maintenance instructions meet the highest safety standards after a full review of the data. If approved, operators will be required to perform the regimen on every aircraft before returning to service.
