This is terrible news for Boeing and will probably cause disruption to thousands of travelers as a lot of flights will be canceled.
Boeing just sent this news release out, which stated: “Boeing has recommended to 16 customers that they address a potential electrical issue in a specific group of 737 MAX airplanes prior to further operations. The recommendation is being made to allow for verification that a sufficient ground path exists for a component of the electrical power system. We are working closely with the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration on this production issue. We are also informing our customers of specific tail numbers affected and we will provide direction on appropriate corrective actions.”
The FAA has just tweeted this: “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.”
According to the Dallas News: “Southwest grounded 30 of its 58 Boeing 737 Max 8 jets affected by the issue Thursday, although it expected “minimal disruptions to our operation,” said spokesman Brian Parrish.” They also reported “American Airlines, the first U.S. airline to bring the Max back into service, removed 17 of its most recently delivered 737 Max jets from service Friday. American has 24 other 737 Max jets not subject to the warning.” As well as “United removed 16 of its 30 Boeing 737 Max jets from operation. Alaska Airlines, based in Seattle, removed all four of its 737 Max planes.”
Obviously, this is a big blow to Boeing, their employees, their reputation and all the airlines who rely on them. But we should all be thankful that this issue was caught early, before a disaster. Anyone who is flying today or in the immediate future, should contact their airline to find out if their flight is delayed or cancelled, especially if you were scheduled to fly on a 737 MAX.
It’s going to be interesting to see how long airlines actually hold on to these lame duck liability nightmares. Personally, it will be several years before I set foot on one for a flight which is hard for me to say as someone who has always liked flying on Boeings and other 737 models. However, they seemed to have really screwed up on the design of the MAX.