Heads up, flyers – Boeing’s 737 MAX just can’t catch a break. The aircraft maker is now urging airlines worldwide to inspect their MAX planes for potentially loose bolts.
The call for bolt checks came after one airline found a loose fastener on the rudder control during maintenance. While Boeing says the issue is resolved on that plane, they’re asking operators to inspect “out of an abundance of caution.”
According to Boeing, the estimated 2 hour inspections should happen within two weeks. They assured currently flying MAXs are safe. The directive doesn’t apply to older 737s.
The FAA is keeping close watch, requiring airlines to report inspection progress. Though time-consuming, the agency said the bolt checks are precautionary.
Major US airlines like United and American expressed confidence this won’t disrupt operations. But Southwest, exclusively operating 737s, has stayed mum so far.
Experts are monitoring the situation given sensitivities around the 737 MAX. The jet was grounded globally for nearly 2 years after deadly crashes killed 346 people in 2018-2019.
Boeing is still working to certify the smallest and largest MAX models. Between the crashes and lingering engineering concerns like loose bolts, Boeing faces huge hurdles to rebuilding trust.
The MAX grounding alone cost Boeing over $20 billion – one of history’s priciest corporate disasters. And in November, Boeing suffered a data breach with stolen info threatened for ransom.
Though the MAX returned to service in late 2020, Boeing continues to battle backlogs, losses, and delivery delays amidst calls for heightened oversight.
While Boeing called this bolt issue low risk, the cracks are showing in public confidence. After yet another quality concern, Boeing faces pressure to prove the MAX won’t come unscrewed, especially with passenger lives on the line.
