FAA Approves Inspection Procedure, Clearing the Way for the Return of Boeing 737 Max 9s to the Skies

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has given its approval for an inspection procedure that could potentially allow Boeing 737 Max 9 aircraft to return to service after being grounded for nearly three weeks. This announcement comes following the grounding of 171 Boeing 737 Max 9 jets by the FAA due to an explosive decompression incident involving an Alaska Airlines aircraft on January 5.

The specific issue that led to the grounding was related to mid-cabin door plugs, with one of them being installed improperly and tearing away inflight during the Alaska Airlines incident. In response, the FAA ordered inspections to be performed on these door plugs before allowing the aircraft to resume operations.

United Airlines, one of the operators affected by the grounding, has already set a target date for the return of its Boeing 737 Max 9s to the skies. According to a statement by Toby Enqvist, United Airlines Executive Vice President and Chief Operations Officer, the airline is aiming for the Max 9s’ return on Sunday. Enqvist emphasized the airline’s commitment to a thorough inspection process, prioritizing safety and compliance.

“In the days ahead, our teams will continue to proceed in a way that is thorough and puts safety and compliance first,” Enqvist stated, adding that each Max 9 aircraft would only be returned to service after completing the comprehensive inspection process.

The FAA, in its official announcement, expressed confidence in proceeding with the inspection and maintenance phase following an exhaustive and enhanced review conducted by its team. The review took place over several weeks, incorporating information gathered after the Alaska Airlines incident.

FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker reiterated the commitment to safety, stating, “We grounded the Boeing 737-9 MAX within hours of the incident over Portland and made clear this aircraft would not go back into service until it was safe.” Whitaker also outlined the FAA’s increased oversight of the 737 Max production line and disclosed plans to prevent Boeing from expanding production of the aircraft until further reviews are conducted.

Whitaker emphasized that Boeing would not return to business as usual, stating, “We will not agree to any request from Boeing for an expansion in production or approve additional production lines for the 737 MAX until we are satisfied that the quality control issues uncovered during this process are resolved.”

Both United and Alaska Airlines, the only U.S. operators of the Boeing 737 Max 9, had previously stated their intention to work promptly to return their aircraft to service once the FAA approved the necessary inspection procedure. During the grounding period, both airlines experienced disruptions, with over 100 flight cancellations per day on average.

As the inspection process moves forward, the aviation industry will closely monitor the return of the Boeing 737 Max 9s to service and the broader implications for Boeing’s production and quality control procedures.