Summary
- Copa Airlines and Aeromexico announce return of their grounded Boeing 737 MAX 9 aircraft after FAA approval.
- Final inspection process approved after grounding resulting from door plug issue on Alaska Airlines flight.
- Boeing faces more scrutiny as FAA limits MAX production and agencies oversee manufacturing activities.
Copa Airlines and Aeromexico have announced the return of their grounded Boeing 737 MAX 9 aircraft following the Federal Aviation Administration’s approval of the ultimate inspection process.
MAX 9 approved to return to service
Following an incident with an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 9 wherein a door plug blew out midflight, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) ordered that each one MAX 9s with door plugs be grounded. This precaution was taken to examine other MAX 9s that might need loose bolts on the door plugs and to stop further incidents. Over the previous few weeks, the FAA has worked closely with Boeing and the airlines to finalize an inspection process.
Breaking: Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 9 Diverts Due To Sudden Loss Of Emergency Exit Door
The sudden lack of the deactivated exit door led to rapid decompression and compelled a diversion.
Two nights ago, this final inspection process was approved, and airlines were told their aircraft could return to service as soon because the inspections were accomplished. Since then, several airlines have announced the return of their aircraft to service. Copa Airlines and Aeromexico announced yesterday that the respective returns would happen within the last 24 hours and coming days. Aeromexico said,
We’re grateful for the support of l. a. Agencia Federal de Aviación Civil (AFAC) through this process and reiterate our sincerest apologies to our passengers for the inconveniences attributable to this case entirely out of our control.
The Mexican airline hopes to finish the inspections of its MAX 9s in the approaching days.
Copa Airlines, which also operates MAX 9s, a few of which remained in service throughout this ordeal, hopes to finish all inspections by today. The airline said,
Starting today, January 25, we’ll step by step re-add the flights that were previously canceled. By Sunday, January 28, we expect a complete return to operations.”
Copa added that passengers previously rescheduled can reschedule again without charge, those that had canceled flights but don’t have a brand new itinerary can confirm a flight, and those that requested refunds might want to purchase latest tickets in the event that they want to travel. Passengers are really helpful to ascertain their flight status on the Copa website or app.
Recent Boeing news
The most recent blow to Boeing got here on Wednesday. Although the FAA allowed the MAX 9s to return to service, in the identical announcement, the regulatory agency told Boeing it might not be allowed to expand its MAX production on the factory in Renton. On Wednesday, the FAA didn’t hold back regarding Boeing, saying things on the American manufacturer is not going to be normal for a very long time.
FAA Will Not Allow Boeing To Expand 737 MAX Production In Renton
The FAA has used unusually frank and clear directions to Boeing about how things will occur from here on, and the planemaker has an extended road ahead.
The recent incident, which fortunately didn’t cause any major injuries to passengers on the Alaska Airlines flight, has caused much more scrutiny than Boeing was already facing. The manufacturer has faced several challenges within the certification of the 2 additional MAX variants not yet flying, the 7 and 10, and can now have the FAA and NTSB onsite in Washington, overseeing and investigating Boeing’s processes.
FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker said,