The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) grounded all Boeing 737 Max 9 aircraft as of immediately after the Alaska Airlines emergency in Portland yesterday.

Boeing responded in saying:

“Safety is our top priority and we deeply regret the impact this event has had on our customers and their passengers. We agree with and fully support the FAA’s decision to require immediate inspections of 737-9 airplanes with the same configuration as the affected airplane. In addition, a Boeing technical team is supporting the NTSB’s investigation into last night’s event. We will remain in close contact with our regulator and customers.”

In November 2021 Boeing admitted it produced an unsafe aircraft, the Boeing 737 Max, but continued after making “significant changes.

Just 4 days ago US airlines flying the controversial Boeing 737 Max were instructed by Boeing to check their rudder control system for a potential loose bolt.

On yesterday’s Alaska Airlines B737 Max 9, a panel on the side of the aircraft blew out midair causing a Mayday and a difficult but successful emergency landing in Portland Friday night.

Two deadly and major crashes in Indonesia and Ethiopia killing everyone on board caused criminal proceedings against Boeing accusing the manufacturer of putting profit over safety.

It appears the FAA is not taking a chance after this nearby Alaska Airlines crash and stopped all airlines in the United States from operating the B737 Max immediately.

Over 1160 Boeing 737 MAXs are active, with the majority being the 8 variant, followed by the 8-200 and the affected 9 model.

Currently, the B737 Max 9 model is operated in the world by

United Airlines: 79 aircrafts
Alaska Airlines: 63 aircrafts
Aeromexico: 18 aircrafts
Turkish Airlines: 5 aircrafts
flydubei: 3 aircrafts

Southwest has the most MAX jets, with over 200 of the model 8 in its fleet, while United leads with 79 active MAX 9. The stop is for the MAX 9 only at this time.

The B737 Max is one of the most successful planes when it comes to orders.

This FAA action has the potential for major disruption, delays, and confusion, specifically in the U.S. skies. It applies to both short routes and even longer flights to Hawaii, United Airlines is operating on the B737 Max at this time.

Alaska Airlines has more than 5000 flights on the B737 Max 9 scheduled for this month, and United Airlines has more than 8000 departures.

Alaska Airlines has recently increased its orders for the Boeing 737 MAX orders and options to 120 jets and is also operating this plane on long overwater flights to Hawaii. Alaska Airlines recently bought Hawaiian Airlines trying to compete head-to-head with United on this profitable route.