FAA Allows Airlines to Fly Boeing 737 MAX 9 After Temporary Grounding

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has provided a path forward for airlines to continue flying their 737 MAX 9 aircraft, laying out strict new rules and regulations for airlines to follow. This announcement comes after a grounding of 737 MAX 9 planes following a major Alaska Airlines incident earlier this month when a door plug was ejected from the 737 MAX 9 aircraft at cruising altitude. The FAA says they have conducted a "thorough inspection and maintenance process" to verify that the jet is safe to fly, laying out enhanced concrete maintenance requirements. 

Specifically, 737 MAX 9 operators must:

• Inspect specific bolts, guide tracks, and fittings.
• Perform detailed visual inspections of left and right mid-cabin exit door plugs and dozens of associated components.
• Retorque fasteners.
• Correct any damage or abnormal conditions.

However, Boeing is not completely off the hook. The FAA focused their concerns on problems within Boeing and, more explicitly, their standard of care for safety matters. The FAA has ordered Boeing to halt a proposed expansion of 737 MAX production to "ensure accountability and full compliance with required quality control procedures" is met. 

The halt in production also affected other MAX aircraft, including the MAX 8. Previously, Boeing was producing roughly 38 MAX aircraft per month by the end of 2023, with that rate rising to 52 per month in February 2025. This number is expected to reduce dramatically.

Regarding the matter, FAA administrator Mike Whitaker said:

"We will not agree to any request from Boeing for an expansion in production or approve additional production lines for the 737 MAX until we are satisfied that the quality control issues uncovered during this process are resolved."

The FAA is further investigating Boeing's manufacturing and requirements and requiring more bodies on the floor of manufacturing facilities to boost oversight of Boeing's production.