US regulator FAA keeps all MAX 9 planes grounded

The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said Friday that all 737 MAX 9 planes would remain grounded until Boeing provides further data following a near-catastrophic incident on an Alaska Airlines-operated aircraft. "For the safety of American travellers the FAA will keep the Boeing 737-9 MAX grounded until extensive inspection and maintenance is conducted and data from inspections is reviewed," the FAA said.

In the dramatic January 5 incident, Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 from Portland executed an emergency landing after a panel known as a "door plug" blew out mid-flight. "We are working to make sure nothing like this happens again," FAA administrator Mike Whitaker said. "Our only concern is the safety of American travellers and the Boeing 737-9 MAX will not return to the skies until we are entirely satisfied it is safe."

The FAA said it needed additional information from Boeing before approving the manufacturer's proposed inspection and maintenance instructions.afp