The Federal Aviation Administration in the US has grounded certain Boeing 737 Max 9 aircraft that are operated on US airlines or within US territory.
The decision, which is estimated to impact 171 planes globally, will result in operators being required to conduct an inspect of the aircraft before they can be flown again. The inspection is estimated to take four to eight hours per plane.
“The FAA is requiring immediate inspections of certain Boeing 737 MAX 9 planes before they can return to flight,” commented Mike Whitaker, administrator for the FAA.
Boeing on Saturday meanwhile agreed with the decision, issuing an extremely brief press release so that it can state it acknowledged the decision.
“We agree with and fully support the FAA’s decision to require immediate inspections of 737-9 airplanes with the same configuration as the affected airplane. In addition, a Boeing technical team is supporting the NTSB’s investigation into last night’s event,” said the company in the release.
The grounding of Boeing 737 Max 9 aircraft follows an incident that occurred early this weekend, when an Alaska Airlines plane saw a portion of its fuselage fall off mid-air, forcing the plane to make an emergency landing in Portland, Oregon.
BREAKING: Alaska Airlines plane makes emergency landing in Portland, Oregon after window blows out in mid-air.
— BNO News (@BNONews) January 6, 2024
Several items, including phones, were sucked out of the plane when it suddenly depressurized. Everyone is safe. pic.twitter.com/BtOB1RU3tn
Social media meanwhile has been quick to point out numerous safety issues related to Boeing airplanes as of late, with many claiming this is the result of putting profits ahead of safety in the interest of shareholders.
Spanking new Boeing planes have nosedived out of the sky, their fuselages have blown out mid flight, and Boeing has admitted to defrauding the FAA on their safety — AND YET the only person at Boeing who has been prosecuted is literally a technician. This is a mockery of justice. https://t.co/KyOMDBGVol pic.twitter.com/k8VqHoLiJF
— Basel Musharbash (@musharbash_b) January 6, 2024
Your daily reminder that Boeing spent the last decade replace their engineers in the leadership heirarchy with non-technical management to focus on boosting shareholder returns instead of building safe products. Capitalism kills https://t.co/x4j1zrt7Wi
— Sebastian Vettel Stan Account 🇵🇸 (@MrFoolStack) January 6, 2024
boeing is the preeminent example of what happens to a formerly great American company in the world of shareholder primacy and regulatory shortcuts.
— Money with Katie (@moneywithkatie) January 6, 2024
a manufacturer once known for making some of the most impressive, safe aircraft in the world, taking L after terrifying L because… https://t.co/ouxx1s3xTz
Information for this story was found via Twitter, the FAA, Boeing and the sources and companies mentioned. The author has no securities or affiliations related to this organization. Not a recommendation to buy or sell. Always do additional research and consult a professional before purchasing a security. The author holds no licenses.