A routine safety inspection of Boeing 737 MAX planes operated by Indian airlines has uncovered a critical missing part on one aircraft, prompting immediate action and raising fresh concerns about the jet's safety. The discovery of a missing washer on a SpiceJet Max 8 has triggered a global 24-hour inspection of all 1,300 active 737 MAX planes by Boeing, highlighting mounting pressure on the aviation giant.
This latest development comes on the heels of a string of incidents involving the 737 MAX, including a door blowout on an Alaska Airlines Max 9 that forced an emergency landing. These incidents have reignited concerns about the jet's safety, which was grounded worldwide for 20 months following two fatal crashes in 2019.
Boeing is facing increased scrutiny from regulators and airlines around the world. The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has ordered immediate inspections of all Max 9s operated by American carriers, while the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in India has initiated checks on all 737 Max 8 planes registered in the country.
Three Indian airlines – Akasa Air, SpiceJet, and Air India Express – operate a total of 40 737 MAX planes, all of the Max 8 variant. While no Indian airline currently operates the Max 9 version involved in the Alaska Airlines incident and the recent hardware issues reported by United Airlines, the missing washer discovery on the SpiceJet Max 8 has raised concerns about potential safety lapses across the entire 737 MAX fleet.
Boeing has urged airlines to conduct the inspections as swiftly as possible, emphasizing the need to prioritize safety. The company has also assured that it is cooperating fully with regulatory authorities and taking all necessary steps to address any potential safety concerns.
The latest developments have cast a shadow over the 737 MAX, which was once Boeing's best-selling airplane. The jet's return to service in 2020 was met with cautious optimism, but these recent incidents have raised fresh doubts about its long-term reliability and safety.
The global aviation community is watching closely as the situation unfolds. Regulators are likely to demand stricter oversight and potentially implement new safety measures for the 737 MAX. For Boeing, the coming days and weeks will be crucial as it works to regain the trust of airlines, passengers, and regulators alike.