Alaska, United to Cancel More Max 9 Flights on Ongoing Probe

Alaska Airlines is set to cancel all flights on Boeing’s 737 MAX 9 planes until Saturday as it awaits regulatory approvals after a quality issue on the jet led to a cabin panel blowout.

Boeing’s stock plunged 8% last week following the incident. It recovered some losses on Wednesday, rising by 0.92% to $227.84 at the close, although it eased by 0.04% to $227.75 in after-hours trading.

Over the weekend, the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) grounded 171 Boeing aircraft with the same panel involved in the emergency landing, including Alaska Airlines’ 65 MAX 9s.

The FAA’s order has resulted in the cancellation of around 20% of the Seattle-based airline’s flight plan for five straight days and 150 flights for Thursday.

United Airlines, the other 737 MAX 9 operator in the US, which has 79 of the model, has also called off 167 flights on Wednesday and anticipates more cancellations on Thursday.

US Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg did not specify when the FAA might approve the resumption of flights, saying it would only authorize when deemed safe.

Buttigieg emphasized safety as the timeline’s crucial factor, stating that the process should not be rushed until it is ready.

Boeing has previously stated that the assessment was recognized as a “quality control issue.” Inspections are ongoing at the Virginia-based company and its supplier, Spirit AeroSystems.

Dave Calhoun, the aircraft maker’s chief executive, confirmed discussions with Buttigieg and FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker to prevent a recurrence of last week’s MAX 9 cabin panel blowout.

Alaska’s Max 9 Flight Resumptions Remain Uncertain

Alaska Airlines and United reported that they had discovered loose parts on multiple grounded MAX 9 planes, sparking fresh concerns about Boeing’s manufacturing methods with its famous jet family.

The company must still provide updated inspection and maintenance instructions, subject to FAA approval before the airlines can resume flights with the jets.

The Seattle-based carrier said its MAX 9s would only recommence service once all issues have been fixed entirely, meeting the FAA’s and their strict standards.

On Wednesday, the International Association of Machinists (IAM) Workers announced its inclusion as a party to the US National Transportation Safety Board’s (NTSB) investigation.

The IAM spokesperson has not commented on the appointment, while the NTSB has confirmed the union’s participation.