Boeing is making revisions to its inspection instructions for the 737 Max 9 aircraft following feedback from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), leading to delays in its efforts to return the jet to service after a recent mid-air incident. The FAA has indicated that the company’s initial instructions were insufficient, prompting the need for changes. This move comes after a terrifying mid-air door plug blowout incident involving an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 Max 9, which has led the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) to assess potential safety risks at cruise altitudes.
The FAA expressed concerns that Boeing’s instructions for aircraft inspection were inadequate, prompting the company to revise its approach. These instructions are critical for ensuring compliance with aviation regulations and are typically formulated and distributed by aircraft manufacturers in accordance with feedback from airlines and regulatory agencies to facilitate consistent adherence by technicians. The Federal Aviation Administration has not divulged specific details about the required revisions to the instructions.
NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy highlighted the potential gravity of the situation, remarking that the incident could have had catastrophic consequences if it occurred during a flight at cruise altitude. She emphasized the challenges posed by such an event, with flight attendants attending to passengers, individuals moving about the aircraft, and passengers utilizing lavatories, creating a scenario vastly different from the one experienced during the recent incident. Homendy’s comments shed light on the potential dangers associated with an in-flight door plug blowout at high altitudes.
In the wake of these developments, investment analysts have weighed in on the impact of the incident on Boeing’s stock. Despite the recent decline in Boeing’s stock following the 737 Max 9 news, some analysts believe that this presents an attractive entry point for investors, suggesting that the financial implications for the company may be limited. However, Jerry Braakman, chief investment officer of First American Trust, expressed caution, stating that he anticipates continued selling pressure on Boeing’s stock and believes that it may remain in the “penalty box” for an extended period.
As Boeing endeavors to address the FAA’s concerns and make the requisite revisions, the aviation industry watches closely, eager to see the 737 Max 9 jet return to service with enhanced safety measures, while investors assess the potential implications for Boeing’s financial outlook amidst the ongoing developments.
