Following are edited excerpts from a current report in The Guardian:Passenger safety, “not speed”, will determine how soon Boeing’s 737 Max 9 jets return to the skies following the blowout of a cabin panel during an Alaska Airlines flight last week, regulators have declared. Dozens of Max 9 planes have been grounded following Friday’s incident, awaiting inspection amid heightened concerns around safety. Alaska and United Airlines have since both found loose parts on several jets.
Boeing has sought to reassure regulators, airlines and passengers. Dave Calhoun, the company’s chief executive, held an all-hands safety meeting at its factory in Renton, Washington – where 737s are assembled – on Tuesday. But Boeing has yet to finalize a set of instructions for inspections and maintenance of the grounded Max 9 jets with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The group submitted an “initial version” which is now being revised following feedback, according to the agency, which pledged to conduct a “thorough review” of its plan.
“Every Boeing 737-9 Max with a plug door will remain grounded until the FAA finds each can safely return to operation,” the FAA said in a statement issued shortly before Calhoun was due to address employees. “The safety of the flying public, not speed, will determine the timeline for returning the Boeing 737-9 Max to service.”
Boeing said: “We continue to be in close contact with our customers and the FAA on the required inspections. As part of the process, we are making updates based on their feedback and requirements.”
