Boeing announces ‘potential electrical issue’ in some 737 MAX airplanes
Apr 9, 2021, 7:36 AM | Updated: 12:07 pm
A worker stands under a Boeing 737 Max airplane as it sits parked at the company's Renton production facility on Nov. 13, 2020 in Renton, Washington. (Photo by David Ryder/Getty Images)
(Photo by David Ryder/Getty Images)
Boeing is recommending 16 airlines stop flights and check a “potential electrical issue” in some 737 MAX airplanes.
“The recommendation is being made,” according to a news release from Boeing, “to allow for verification that a sufficient ground path exists for a component of the electrical power system.”
The MAX had just returned to service in November after more than 20 months grounded, following two deadly crashes. The new issue is not related to the flawed flight-control system at the center of the nearly two-year grounding.
How faulty Boeing system eventually led to 737 MAX crashes
Boeing has now grounded a total of 67 Renton-made MAX planes. The alert is forcing Southwest Airlines to take 30 of its 58 MAX planes out of service. United, American, and Alaska Airlines are also flying the plane — United says it has to take 16 planes off the schedule, American will ground 17, and Alaska 4.
Boeing says it’s working closely with the Federal Aviation Administration on the production issue, and has informed customers of specific tail numbers affected.
.@Boeing recommends operators of some 737 MAX airplanes temporarily remove them from service to address a potential electrical issue. The FAA will ensure the issue is addressed. Passengers should contact airlines about possible flight delays and cancellations. pic.twitter.com/i6r1fcP5RR
— The FAA ✈️ (@FAANews) April 9, 2021
The KIRO Radio Newsdesk contributed to this report. This is a developing story.
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