Highlights: Boeing 737 MAX-9: US FAA agency keeps planes grounded. FAA has launched a safety investigation into the incident, the first major flight safety issue on a Boeing aircraft since the fatal crashes of the 737 MAX in 2018 and 2019. Hundreds of flights had to be cancelled due to the FAA's decision to ground planes. Alaska Airlines, which operates a fleet of 65 737-9 MAX aircraft, said it had to cancel 110 to 150 flights a day until Tuesday. The regulator said it will not approve the inspection and maintenance process until it has reviewed the data from the first round of 40 inspections.

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced on Friday, January 12, that all 737 MAX-9 aircraft will have to remain grounded until their manufacturer Boeing provides...

Boeing 737 MAX-9: US FAA agency keeps planes grounded

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced on Friday, January 12, that all 737 MAX-9 planes will have to remain grounded until their manufacturer Boeing provides more data on the stall - in mid-flight - of a door of an Alaska Airlines aircraft on January 5.

An Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 in Portland on Jan. 6, 2024. The airline, which operates a fleet of 65 737 MAX-9 aircraft, said it had to cancel 110 to 150 flights a day until Tuesday. AP - Craig Mitchelldyer

By: RFI Follow

Advertising

For the safety of U.S. travelers, the FAA is grounding the Boeing 737 MAX-9 until comprehensive inspections and maintenance are completed and the data collected is reviewed The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said in a statement. On January 5, 2024, a door came loose from the cabin of a Boeing 737 MAX-9 during an Alaska Airlines flight from Portland, Oregon to Ontario, California, but the incident resulted in only a few minor injuries and the aircraft was able to land safely at its home airport.

Our concern, "Safety"
»

Nevertheless, the FAA has launched a safety investigation into the incident, the first major flight safety issue on a Boeing aircraft since the fatal crashes of the 737 MAX in 2018 and 2019 that led to a lengthy grounding of the plane. "We're working to make sure nothing like this ever happens again," said FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker. "Our only concern is the safety of American travelers and the Boeing 737 MAX-9 will not be back in the air until we are fully confident that it is safe.

The FAA said it needed additional information from Boeing before approving the manufacturer's proposed inspection and maintenance instructions. The regulator said it "will not approve the inspection and maintenance process until it has reviewed the data from the first round of 40 inspections," but added that it was "encouraging" by Boeing's "comprehensive inspection and maintenance instructions."

Increasing oversight

Earlier Friday, the FAA announced plans to increase its oversight of Boeing's production and manufacturing, including auditing the 737 MAX's production line and suppliers. The regulator said it was also looking into using an independent third party to oversee Boeing's inspections. "It's time to revisit the delegation of authority and assess the associated security risks," Whitaker said.

The grounding of the 737 MAX-9 and the multiple production-related issues identified in recent years require us to consider all options to reduce risk," he said. Hundreds of flights had to be cancelled due to the FAA's decision to ground planes. Alaska Airlines, which operates a fleet of 65 737-9 MAX aircraft, said it had to cancel 110 to 150 flights a day until Tuesday.

Boeing 737 MAX-9: US FAA agency keeps planes grounded

Boeing 737 MAX-9: US FAA agency keeps planes grounded

Our concern, "Safety"
»

Increasing oversight

Trends 24h

Latest

Boeing 737 MAX-9: US FAA agency keeps planes grounded

Boeing 737 MAX-9: US FAA agency keeps planes grounded

Our concern, "Safety"»

Increasing oversight

Trends 24h

Latest

Our concern, "Safety"
»