Boeing 737 MAX 9 aircraft to remain grounded. Deadline set

In a statement from the FAA, it was reported that a method compliant with the Boeing 737 MAX 9 "Emergency Airworthiness Directive" has been approved and provided to operators.

The statement noted that Boeing 737 MAX 9 aircraft will remain grounded until operators complete enhanced inspections that include both left and right cabin door exit plugs, door components, and fasteners. It was also emphasized that operators must complete corrective action requirements based on findings from the inspections before returning any aircraft to service.

The statement indicated that the FAA will continue to support the National Transportation Safety Board's investigation into the emergency landing of an Alaska Airlines "Boeing 737 MAX 9" passenger plane in the U.S. on the evening of January 5, after a piece of its fuselage tore off while in flight.

Meanwhile, reports in U.S. media stated that the American airline United Airlines had found "loose bolts" on multiple 737 MAX 9 aircraft.

A PIECE OF THE FUSELAGE HAD TORN OFF

An Alaska Airlines "Boeing 737 MAX 9" passenger plane in the U.S. had made an emergency landing on the evening of January 5 after a piece of its fuselage tore off while in flight.

While the plane, which was traveling from Oregon to California, was forced to make an emergency landing approximately 35 minutes after takeoff, it was reported that there were no passengers in the section where the piece of the fuselage tore off.

In a written statement from Alaska Airlines, it was announced that the plane landed safely with 171 passengers and 6 cabin crew members on board.

The statement reported that 65 "737 MAX 9" aircraft would be temporarily taken out of service for inspection, and that the inspections were estimated to take several days.

The National Transportation Safety Board had launched an investigation into the incident.