After a week of intensive inspections and 40 evaluations, the Boeing 737 MAX 9 continues to be grounded, and there is no definitive timeline for its return to the skies.
On Wednesday, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) disclosed that it had initiated a review of data stemming from the initial round of inspections carried out on the grounded 737 MAX 9 aircraft.
These planes, totaling approximately 171 in number, have come under close regulatory and consumer scrutiny following a concerning incident on an Alaska Airlines flight departing from Portland on January 5.
During that flight, a door plug, intended to cover an unused emergency exit, became dislodged.
Grounded indefinitely
In response to this incident, the FAA promptly grounded the MAX 9 planes that incorporated the same door plug. Investigators are currently exploring whether the bolts meant to secure the plug to the aircraft were either improperly installed or entirely missing.
The MAX 9 fleet will remain grounded until they undergo inspections in accordance with guidelines issued by Boeing, a process that has not yet received FAA approval.
However, despite the completion of 40 preliminary inspections, the recent announcement by the FAA does not signify an imminent return to service for the MAX 9. Instead, it represents a step in what is anticipated to be an extensive and thorough examination process.
The FAA clarified its stance in a statement, asserting, “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 inspection guidelines, a pivotal phase for the resumption of MAX 9 flights, have undergone a series of approvals and revisions.
Flight delays
Meanwhile, the aviation industry is expected to witness ongoing flight delays and cancellations as airlines work to adjust to the absence of the grounded planes.
According to FlightAware, as of Wednesday evening, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport had reported 121 flight cancellations and 335 delayed flights.
Government shutdown
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is leading the investigation into the fuselage incident on Alaska Flight 1282.
NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy expressed deep concern about the potential impact of a government shutdown on the ongoing investigation.
A funding lapse could significantly hinder the NTSB’s efforts and delay the delivery of timely safety recommendations.
Congress has a few remaining days to reach a compromise on funding bills to avert a partial government shutdown, which is scheduled to occur later this week.
Ahron Young is an award winning journalist who has covered major news events around the world. Ahron is the Managing Editor and Founder of TICKER NEWS.
NSW Premier Chris Minns condemned a recent anti-Semitic attack in Sydney’s eastern suburbs, where cars were set on fire and properties were vandalised with anti-Israel graffiti.
Emergency services received reports of a car fire on Magney Street in Woollahra early Wednesday morning. Fire & Rescue NSW extinguished the fire, but multiple cars and buildings suffered vandalism.
Graffiti with messages like “Kill Israel” was found on walls. A crime scene has been established, and an investigation is underway. Police are looking to speak with two suspects aged 15 to 20, who were in the area at the time of the incident.
It’s just out of control!
Days after firebombing of Synagogue in Melbourne, now more #antisemitism in #Australia, this time in my former hometown of Sydney, with cars set alight and multiple homes vandalised with anti-Israel graffiti, in the strongly Jewish suburb of Woollahra. pic.twitter.com/gCdCrlSlXU
Minns described the attack as “shocking” and stated, “This is not the Sydney we want.” He emphasized that such racist acts aimed at dividing the community would not succeed.
He plans to consult with police about the investigation, assuring the public that those responsible will face justice.
NSW Health Minister Ryan Park also denounced the incident, calling it offensive and concerning.
It follows a similar act of vandalism in November, where cars were spray-painted with phrases like “f**k Israel.” Various buildings, including the Chiswick restaurant, were also targeted in that incident.
A 26-year-old man, Luigi Mangione, is fighting extradition to New York to face murder charges for the shooting of UnitedHealth executive Brian Thompson.
Mangione was arrested in Pennsylvania after a five-day manhunt and denied bail for the second time.
During a court appearance, he made a statement directed at reporters, though its meaning was unclear.
Legal experts believe Mangione’s fight against extradition could prolong the process, but success is unlikely.
Authorities are investigating whether he acted alone or had assistance leading up to the shooting.
Mangione was recognized at a McDonald’s by an employee and was found with a firearm, clothing, and fake IDs matching the shooter’s description.
Weapon possession
He has been charged with gun and forgery offenses in Pennsylvania, in addition to murder and weapon possession charges in New York.
Investigators are still determining the motive behind Thompson’s targeted killing. It was revealed that Mangione had chronic back pain and previously worked as a data engineer.
His family expressed shock and devastation over his arrest and offered condolences to Thompson’s family.
Thompson, a father of two, had been the CEO of UnitedHealth’s insurance unit since 2021 and was in New York for a company event. The incident has heightened frustrations concerning healthcare access and insurance issues in the U.S.
Rupert Murdoch’s attempt to change the family trust to consolidate control under his son Lachlan has been rejected by a Nevada commissioner.
The ruling, made by Commissioner Edmund J. Gorman Jr., stated that Murdoch and Lachlan acted in “bad faith” while trying to amend the irrevocable trust, which divides control equally among Murdoch’s four oldest children.
The 96-page opinion characterised the plan as a “carefully crafted charade” intended to secure Lachlan’s executive roles unconditionally.
Murdoch’s lawyer expressed disappointment and plans to appeal the ruling.
FILE PHOTO: Media mogul Rupert Murdoch poses for a photograph with his sons Lachlan and James in London.
Media empire
This dispute is critical as it affects the future control of Murdoch’s media empire, which includes Fox News and other major outlets.
While the intention was not to diminish financial stakes, the ruling reflects deep family tensions, especially given differing political views among the siblings.
The commissioner noted Lachlan initiated the proposed changes, created a plan dubbed “Project Family Harmony,” and labeled James as a “troublesome beneficiary.”
Despite Lachlan and Rupert’s efforts, the attempt to marginalise James was deemed insufficiently justified by the court.
Murdoch’s family trust, established in 2006, retains his control until his death, and includes provisions allowing amendments.
However, the commissioner found that Murdoch and Lachlan’s actions were not supporting their siblings’ best interests.
The ruling is not final and may be contested further in court.