The Federal Aviation Administration ordered inspections of 471 U.S. Boeing ($BA) 737 MAX jets after cracks were discovered in structural reinforcement around a service door on older aircraft models. The directive covers certain 737-8, 737-9 and 737-8200 aircraft and comes weeks after the FAA restored Boeing's authority to conduct final safety signoffs on newly produced 737s.
- The FAA said inspections are intended to identify and repair cracks before they reach a critical length.
- Boeing said the issue has not been observed on the 737 MAX fleet, but inspections were extended because MAX aircraft share a similar design and manufacturing process.
- The company has been working with operators on the issue for roughly six years.
- Boeing disclosed $2.45 million in federal lobbying expenses in its latest 2026 filing, including work on aircraft certification, aviation quality and safety, air safety and FAA-related policy; 2025 filings also cited aviation safety oversight. Additional lobbying details are available here.
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- Boeing ($BA) – Faces additional inspection requirements affecting hundreds of 737 MAX aircraft.
Editor’s Note: This is a developing story. This article may be updated as more details become available.
