US regulators have approved an inspection framework that will allow grounded Boeing 737 MAX planes to return to service, following an emergency landing earlier this month. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced inspection protocols for the Boeing 737 MAX 9, prompting United Airlines to announce that it expects the grounded aircraft to resume service starting Sunday. Toby Enqvist, United’s chief operations officer, emphasized that each MAX 9 aircraft will only be returned to service after completing a thorough inspection process. This development comes after the FAA grounded 171 MAX 9 planes following a January 5 incident involving an Alaska Airlines jet, which experienced a blowout of a panel on the fuselage during flight. Although there were no injuries, safety inspectors have highlighted the potential severity of the situation. Under the FAA’s “enhanced maintenance” process, airlines will conduct inspections of specific bolts and fittings, detailed visual inspections of plugs and components, and address any damage or abnormal conditions. The FAA emphasized that the aircraft will not operate until the inspection process is complete and compliance with the original design is confirmed.
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US Greenlights Boeing 737 MAX Jets’ Return to Service
