The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a new statement demanding Boeing provide additional data before the agency approves an extensive and rigorous inspection and maintenance process to return the 737 MAX-9 airplanes to service.
“We are working to ensure nothing like this ever happens again,” said FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker. “Our only concern is the safety of American travelers, and the Boeing 737-9 MAX will not return to the skies until we are fully convinced it is safe.”
After reviewing Boeing’s proposed inspection and maintenance instructions, the FAA determined it needed additional data before approving them. Consequently, the FAA is requiring door inspections on 40 aircraft.
The FAA is encouraged by the comprehensive nature of Boeing’s inspection and maintenance instructions. However, in the interest of maintaining the highest level of safety, the agency will not approve the inspection and maintenance process until it reviews the data from the initial round of 40 inspections.
After a full review of the data, The FAA will determine whether the instructions meet the strictest safety standards. If the FAA approves Boeing’s inspection and maintenance instructions, operators will be required to apply that regime to all aircraft before they return to service.