Inspection processes for the "Boeing 737 Max 9" aircraft have expanded globally this Sunday, following a recent incident involving an Alaska Airlines' plane, where a door detached after take-off.
Like other major carriers, including United Airlines—one of the world's largest—Turkish Airlines, Aeroméxico, and Panama's Copa Airlines have grounded their fleets of this model for inspections. This decision comes in response to directives issued by the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
On Saturday evening, Turkish Airlines announced the withdrawal of its "Boeing 737 Max 9" planes from service in order to perform the necessary checks.
Yahya Ustun, the airline's media advisor, mentioned that five "Boeing 737 Max 9" aircraft have been subjected to examination to ensure aviation safety.
According to Ustun's post on "Site X," the Turkish carrier decided to withdraw five aircraft from its fleet based on the authorities' request for preliminary inspections. He added that the planes would remain grounded at the first airport they land at.
United Airlines, which boasts the world's largest fleet of "737-9" aircraft, confirmed to the French Press Agency that it would halt operations for 46 planes, having completed inspections on 33 of them. Copa Airlines has also temporarily suspended operations of its 21 aircraft of the same model to undergo checks.
Regulatory Actions
On Saturday, US regulatory agencies temporarily prohibited the operation of 171 "Boeing 737 Max 9" aircraft to carry out safety-related inspections after a cabin explosion forced a new Alaska Airlines passenger plane to make an emergency landing.
The US Federal Aviation Administration stated in a press release that its directives "require operators (airlines) to inspect the aircraft before embarking on a new flight," noting that this process could take between four to eight hours per aircraft.
US Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, speaking on "Site X," described the incident as "horrific" and pointed out that he is in contact with the FAA.
Jennifer Homendy, Chair of the National Transportation Safety Board, told reporters, "We are fortunate that it did not end tragically (…) We have the world's safest (civil) air network."
She emphasized, "We are a global standard (…) but we must maintain this level."
Homendy revealed that according to preliminary data, the door fell over Cedar Hills in the suburb near Portland, and called on residents to report to authorities if they find it.
Boeing, in a statement, said: "We agree with the Federal Aviation Administration and support its decision to call for an immediate inspection of the "737-9″ aircraft similar in design to the damaged plane."
Story Details
An Alaska Airlines "Boeing 737 Max" aircraft window shattered during a flight in Oregon.
Alaska Airlines stated that the aircraft made a safe emergency landing with no injuries just 35 minutes after takeoff.
The company mentioned that it would inspect its fleet of 65 aircraft of the same model, estimating the process to take a few days. On Saturday, the airline grounded all its fleets of this model.
"FlightAware," a specialized site, noted that the plane carrying 171 passengers and 6 crew members was at an altitude of 5,000 meters.
About 218 units of this model have been delivered so far, according to data obtained by the French Press Agency from Boeing.
At the end of December last year, Boeing delivered more than 1,370 units of 737 Max aircraft (Anadolu)
Previous Accidents
The aircraft received certification last October, according to Federal Aviation Administration records available online.
On "Site X," Boeing said it is gathering more information and that a technical team is at the disposal of the investigators.
This incident comes during a period when the aviation giant has faced technical failures after two 737 Max aircraft crashes.
These two incidents, which caused 346 fatalities in October 2018 and March 2019, resulted in the grounding of the "737 Max" model for 20 months before allowing it to fly again.
The FAA did not approve its return to service until after modifications were made to the flight control system.
Following the incidents, Beijing halted Chinese companies from receiving "737 Max" aircraft.
Recently, Boeing was forced to delay deliveries due to problems with the aircraft structure, particularly in the rear section.
By the end of December last year, Boeing delivered more than 1,370 units of "737 Max" aircraft and received orders for 4,000 units.
