Boeing’s Turbulence: Boeing’s top-selling 737 MAX aircraft faced a new challenge last Friday. A panel blew off an Alaska Airlines plane, necessitating an emergency landing. This incident prompted US regulators to order a temporary grounding of 171 Boeing 737 MAX 9 jets fitted with the same panel. (Image: Reuters)
US Agencies’ Probe: The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reacted promptly. They issued a directive on Saturday, temporarily grounding specific 737 MAX 9 planes until inspections are carried out. The US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), an independent agency, has initiated an investigation into the incident. (Image: Reuters)
Brazil’s Compliance: Brazil’s aviation regulator ANAC announced on Sunday that the FAA ruling automatically applies to all flights in Brazil. Copa Airlines is the sole operator of the plane in Brazil. (Image: Reuters)
Canada’s Clarification: Transport Canada stated on Sunday that no Boeing 737 MAX 9 planes are in use by Canadian operators. (Image: Reuters)
China’s Inquiry: China’s regulator has requested details about the incident. Bloomberg reported that China, the first country to ground MAX flights in 2019, is contemplating whether to take action. (Image: Reuters)
EU and UK: The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has adopted the FAA directive. However, they noted that no EU member state airlines operate aircraft with the affected configuration. The UK Civil Aviation Authority stated on Saturday that no UK-registered planes are affected. It will require any 737 MAX 9 operators entering its airspace to comply with the FAA directive. (Image: Shutterstock)
India’s Inspection: India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) confirmed on Monday that one-time inspections it had ordered of Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft had been performed satisfactorily. No airlines in the country fly the 737 MAX 9 model. (Image: Reuters)
Indonesia’s Grounding: Indonesia grounded three Boeing 737 MAX 9 planes operated by Lion Air on January 6. The planes had different configurations from the Alaska Airlines plane. The ministry will coordinate with the FAA, Boeing, and Lion Air to monitor the situation, prioritising “operational safety”. (Image: Reuters)
UAE’s Adoption: The civil aviation authority of the United Arab Emirates confirmed on Sunday that none of its national carriers have planes affected by the order. (Image: Reuters)
Alaska Airlines’ Action: Alaska Airlines grounded all 65 Boeing 737 MAX 9 planes in its fleet early on Saturday. However, it later returned 18 to service following earlier maintenance checks on the FAA’s order. The carrier cancelled 170 flights on Sunday and 60 more flights on Monday following the FAA order. (Image: Reuters)
United Airlines’ Suspension: United Airlines, the only other US airline that operates the jets, temporarily suspended service on all 737 MAX 9 aircraft to run inspections required by the FAA. Of its 79 MAX 9 airplanes, about 33 had been inspected as required by the aviation regulator. United cancelled 230 flights on Sunday, or 8% of its scheduled departures. (Image: Reuters)
Copa Airlines’ Grounding: Copa Airlines, a Panamanian carrier, temporarily grounded 21 737 MAX 9 aircraft on Saturday. It expects to return these aircraft safely and reliably to the flight schedule within the next 24 hours. Some delays and cancellations were expected. As of end-September, the carrier had 26 737 MAX 9 in its fleet in two configurations. (Image: Reuters)
FlyDubai’s Configuration: FlyDubai announced on Sunday that its three Boeing 737 MAX 9 planes were not affected. It operates the aircraft with a deactivated mid-aft exit door configuration, which is not affected by the directive. (Image: Reuters)
Icelandair’s Confirmation: Icelandair confirmed on Monday that it is not affected by the FAA grounding of Boeing 737 MAX 9 aircraft. A spokesperson for the airline, which operates four of the aircraft, stated that the issue is related to equipment that is not a part of Icelandair’s Boeing 737 MAX 9 configuration. (Image: Reuters)
Other Airlines: Fiji Airways, the Fijian flag carrier, stated on Monday that it was unaffected by the FAA grounding of Boeing 737 MAX 9 aircraft. Turkish Airlines withdrew five aircraft from service for inspection on Sunday. The planes will be grounded at the first airport they land at. Aeromexico grounded affected jets for inspection on Sunday. (Image: Reuters)