Overview

• Senator Tammy Duckworth has asked the FAA to reject Boeing's request for a safety waiver for the uncertified 737 Max 7, citing concerns over safety and quality control.
• The FAA has approved an inspection process that could allow grounded Boeing 737 Max 9 planes to return to service, following an incident where a door panel blew off mid-flight.
• However, the FAA has halted Boeing's production plans for the 737 Max, stating that it will not agree to any expansion until quality-control concerns have been addressed.
• Boeing is seeking a limited-time exemption for the 737 Max 7, which would allow it to deliver the aircraft to airlines once certified, despite a known issue with an anti-ice system on the engines.
• United Airlines and Alaska Airlines are expected to begin returning their 737 Max 9s to service by the end of January, following rigorous inspection and maintenance.