NEW YORK – The potential electrical problem that prompted airlines to remove some Boeing 737 MAX planes from service has been found in more areas of the aircraft than initially known, said a report yesterday.
Boeing on April 9 said the issue, discovered during the manufacturing process, requires “verification that a sufficient ground path exists for a component of the electrical power system”.
But, The Wall Street Journal, citing the company, reported yesterday that the manufacturing issue affects “more areas of the flight deck than previously known”.
Boeing did not directly comment on the report, but said it plans to develop guidelines with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) oversight.
“Boeing is working with customers on service bulletins that will be submitted to FAA for approval,” said a company spokesman.
“The bulletins focus on ensuring a sufficient ground path in the flight deck of affected airplanes.”
Southwest Airlines, United Airlines and American Airlines last week said they are removing some of their MAX planes from service following the Boeing announcement.
The aircraft giant said it has notified a total 16 carriers of the issue.
Boeing shares fell 1.2% to US$248.18 (RM1,023.99), losing ground following reports of the problem.
The electrical issue is a setback after the MAX was cleared last November to return to service after a 20-month grounding following two fatal crashes.
“Specific details regarding investigators’ latest findings are scarce at the moment, but it’s troubling to learn that the electrical defect is being found in other parts of the plane,” said Briefing.com. – AFP, April 17, 2021
