FAA Halts Boeing 737 Max Production Expansion, Approves Inspection Process

Senator Duckworth Calls for Rejection of Boeing's Safety Waiver Request Amid Quality Control Concerns

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.