Boeing 737 Max 9 aircraft remain grounded despite authorities in the US completing inspections on 40 aircraft.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) gave no indication of when the type would be cleared to fly again after 171 aircraft were ordered out of service following a cabin panel blowing off an Alaska Airlines flight on January 5.
The US aviation regulator said that it was investigating Boeing’s manufacturing practices and production lines, including those involving sub-contractor Spirit AeroSystems.
The FAA announced requirements for a “rigorous inspection and maintenance process” a week after the incident as a “new and necessary step” before it contemplates any further stages in the process to return B737-9 Maxs to service.
“The first 40 inspections that are part of that process are now complete, and the FAA will thoroughly review the data from them,” the administration said on Wednesday.
“All 737-9 Max aircraft with door plugs will remain grounded pending the FAA’s review and final approval of an inspection and maintenance process that satisfies all FAA safety requirements.
“Once the FAA approves an inspection and maintenance process, it will be required on every grounded 737-9 Max prior to future operation.
“The safety of the flying public, not speed, will determine the timeline for returning these aircraft to service.”
The FAA is supporting the US National Transportation Safety Board’s investigation into the Alaska Airlines flight.