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The Boeing 737 MAX, grounded worldwide for nearly two years following two fatal crashes, has undergone extensive software updates and safety reviews and is currently operating commercially, though scrutiny and production challenges persist as of January 15, 2026.
Boeing 737 MAX: FAA Oversight and Recertification
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The Federal Aviation Management (FAA) grounded all Boeing 737 MAX aircraft in March 2019 after crashes of Lion Air Flight 610 in October 2018 and Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 in March 2019, which killed a combined 346 people.The primary cause was identified as a flawed maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System (MCAS).
Following the crashes, Boeing developed software updates to MCAS, and the FAA conducted a comprehensive review of the aircraft’s design and safety systems. The FAA issued a final record of decision lifting the grounding order on November 18,2020,allowing airlines to resume flying the 737 MAX once they completed the required software updates and pilot training.
As of December 2023, the FAA mandated inspections of all 737 MAX aircraft for potential fastener issues, requiring the temporary grounding of approximately 40% of the global fleet. Reuters reported on December 22, 2023, that this inspection was prompted by reports of improperly installed fasteners on some aircraft.
The Role of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB)
The NTSB conducted its own inquiry into the crashes and issued a final report in March 2021, detailing the contributing factors and making safety recommendations. The NTSB’s report corroborated the FAA’s findings regarding the MCAS system and highlighted deficiencies in Boeing’s safety assessment processes.
The NTSB’s report specifically criticized Boeing for not adequately informing pilots about the MCAS system and for relying too heavily on assumptions about pilot reaction time. The report also found that the FAA’s oversight of Boeing was inadequate.
the NTSB’s final report, published March 23, 2021, included 64 safety recommendations. The full report is available on the NTSB website.
Current Operational Status (January 15,2026)
As of January 15,2026,the Boeing 737 MAX is back in service with most major airlines globally. However, the aircraft continues to face scrutiny from regulators and the public. Production rates remain below pre-grounding levels due to ongoing quality control issues and supply chain disruptions.
In January 2024, a mid-air incident involving a door plug on an Alaska Airlines 737 MAX 9 led to a temporary grounding of that specific model for inspections. NBC News reported that the FAA ordered inspections of all 737 MAX 9 aircraft with door plugs after the incident.
Boeing is currently working to increase production and address quality control concerns. the company has announced plans to invest in improved manufacturing processes and quality assurance measures. As of Q4 2025, Boeing delivered 39 737 MAX aircraft, a slight increase from the 38 delivered in Q3 2025, but still below pre-grounding delivery rates. Boeing’s Q4 2025 earnings report details these figures.
Leadership Changes at Boeing
In March 2024, boeing CEO Dave Calhoun announced his resignation, effective May 1, 2024