After the window was blown out
More airlines are taking Boeing 737 MAX out of service
January 7, 2024, 11:51 a.m
A part of the cabin of a Boeing 737 MAX 9 suddenly tears off in the middle of the flight. Although the incident ended lightly, all machines of the type have since had to be checked. Airlines around the world are reacting and suspending their operations.
After the emergency landing of an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 9 in the USA, other airlines are withdrawing aircraft from service. Turkish Airlines announced this morning that five Boeing 737 MAX 9s had been recalled for inspections “as a safety precaution.” They would initially stay on the ground where they land.
Aeromexico and Panamanian airline Copa Airlines also said they would ground Boeing 737 MAX 9 aircraft. Alaska Airlines and United Airlines, which have the world’s largest fleet of Boeing 737 MAX 9s, have also withdrawn the series from service for inspection.
The US aviation authority FAA ordered an immediate inspection of around 170 aircraft of this type. “The FAA is requiring the immediate inspection of certain Boeing 737 MAX 9s before they are allowed to fly again,” said FAA CEO Mike Whitaker. The corresponding Boeing 737 MAX 9 is equipped with a special door replacement plug. These cannot fly until they are inspected and repaired if necessary, according to the FAA.
The European Aviation Safety Agency noted that no airline from an EU member state “is currently operating an aircraft in the affected configuration.” Britain’s aviation safety regulator previously said it would require any operator of a 737 MAX 9 to comply with FAA directive in order to fly into its airspace.
On Friday evening (local time) in the USA, a window side wall and a window in the passenger compartment of an Alaska Airlines 737 MAX 9 with 177 people on board, which was only a few weeks old and with 177 people on board, broke out shortly after takeoff. The plane then turned around, the pilots were able to make an emergency landing in Portland, but no one was apparently injured. According to air traffic control, the cabin crew spoke of a “pressure” problem.
The Boeing 737 MAX aircraft had to remain on the ground after two crashes in 2018 and 2019. Recently, Boeing has had several technical problems with the plane.