Boeing shares fall after 737 MAX 9 inspection order announced

Boeing issued 737 MAX 9 inspection guidance to airlines earlier today following an incident where a cabin panel fell off an Alaska Airlines jet mid-flight. The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) grounded 171 MAX aircraft on Saturday to require this inspection. These directives, known as multi-operator messages, are important for airlines to conduct inspections in compliance with FAA directives so aircraft can be returned to service.

Boeing Commercial Airplanes chief Stan Diehl expressed support for the FAA’s decision in a letter to employees. “Our teams have been working diligently, and following a thorough review by the FAA, to provide operators with comprehensive technical guidance to conduct the required inspections,” Diehl said. The directive was sent around 3 a.m. PT To airlines, Boeing confirmed the FAA has approved the directive.

The aerospace giant also provides technical support to MAX 9 customers and remains in contact with the FAA. Boeing plans a “short-term plant closure” today at its Renton, Wash., plant where the MAX is produced. Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun plans to host an internal webcast for employees on Tuesday.

The FAA grounded a new MAX 9 flight from Portland, Oregon, after a door button tore, requiring an emergency landing. The affected fleet, which includes planes operated by other airlines such as United Airlines, will remain grounded until the FAA deems them safe.

Boeing’s stock price suffered a downturn, falling 6.6% during today’s trading session, but has recovered slightly from the day’s low. The company and Alaska Airlines did not immediately comment on the grounding and inspection process.

Reuters contributed to this article.

This article was created and translated with the help of artificial intelligence and reviewed by an editor. For more information, please see our terms and conditions.