​Boeing Urges Airlines to Inspect 737 Max Planes for Potential Quality Issue

Boeing calls on airlines to conduct thorough inspections of their 737 Max aircraft after discovering a potential quality issue in the rudder control system. The aviation giant has recommended these inspections after an international operator found a missing nut on a bolt during routine maintenance.

CNBC reported that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed this information and added that Boeing found another undelivered plane where a nut had not been adequately tightened.

Inspection Process and Timeline

To ensure passenger safety, Boeing has emphasized that the inspections will be time-consuming, approximately two hours per plane. To address the issue promptly, all new 737 Max planes will be inspected before being delivered to customers, according to Boeing. Alaska Airlines, one of the carriers affected, has announced its intention to begin the inspections immediately, anticipating completion within the first half of January.

While this safety issue has caused concern among airline operators, they have expressed confidence that it will have minimal impact on their operations, per Reuters. United Airlines, one of the largest customers for the 737 Max aircraft, has stated that it expects no operational disruptions. Likewise, American Airlines has assured the public that inspections will be carried out without any anticipated impact on its operations.

Boeing's Response and Assurance

Boeing immediately addressed the issue on the specific plane involved in the discovery. The company has assured the public that a remedy has been implemented. However, in an abundance of caution, Boeing is urging all operators of the 737 Max planes to conduct inspections and report any findings. This proactive approach reaffirms the company's dedication to safety and the well-being of passengers.

Following this news, Boeing's stock experienced a drop of over 1% in afternoon trading. Investors will closely monitor further developments and the company's response.

Compliance and Operational Updates

Alaska Airlines has taken swift action to comply with the inspection recommendations and expects to meet the guidelines by the first half of January. The airline remains confident that these measures will not impact its operations. United Airlines and American Airlines have also committed to completing the inspections. Both carriers have stated that they do not anticipate disruptions to their operations.

Photo: Qatar Airways Newsroom