FAA Reports Significant Progress in Boeing 737-9 Inspections and Return to Service

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced on Monday that two leading U.S. airlines have successfully inspected and returned nearly 94% of their Boeing 737-9 fleet to service. This follows a mid-air incident last month that prompted a temporary grounding of the MAX 9 aircraft.

After an Alaska Airlines jet experienced a cabin panel blowout on January 5, the FAA halted MAX 9 flights, lifting the grounding on January 24. According to the FAA, United Airlines has inspected and returned 78 of its 79 Boeing 737-9 planes to service, while Alaska Airlines has reinstated 57 of its 65 MAX 9 aircraft. Alaska Airlines anticipates completing inspections on the remainder, excluding the jet involved in the incident, by Tuesday.

The mandated inspections encompass a thorough examination of specific bolts, guide tracks, fittings, door plugs, and numerous related components. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is conducting an inquiry into whether the incident was due to missing bolts.

The grounding resulted in thousands of flight cancellations in January, impacting airline operations significantly.

In a press briefing, Jodi Baker, Deputy FAA Associate Administrator for Aviation Safety, highlighted the FAA’s evolving approach to Boeing oversight. The agency is conducting comprehensive inspections at Boeing’s Renton 737 factory, aiming to reshape its supervisory practices based on the findings. Baker emphasized the potential need for additional staffing and ongoing regular audits to ensure compliance and safety.

FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker is scheduled to appear before a U.S. House committee on Tuesday, addressing queries about the FAA’s monitoring of Boeing and its suppliers.

Baker further mentioned the FAA’s intent to enhance surveillance efforts, focusing on building stronger relationships with employees to identify and address systemic issues within the manufacturing process.

Following recent “unacceptable” quality concerns, the FAA last month restricted Boeing from increasing its 737 MAX production. CEO Dave Calhoun responded, affirming that Boeing would maintain its current production rate of 38 737s per month until both the FAA and Boeing are satisfied with the manufacturing quality.

The duration of the FAA’s production limitation on Boeing remains unspecified, as efforts to ensure the highest manufacturing standards continue.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, reuters.com, cnn.com