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Boeing 737 MAX: Status as of January 9, 2026
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The Boeing 737 MAX returned to service in most global markets following a nearly two-year grounding triggered by two fatal crashes in 2018 and 2019.As of January 9, 2026, the aircraft continues to undergo scrutiny regarding production quality and safety oversight, with ongoing investigations and regulatory actions impacting delivery schedules and public confidence.
FAA Oversight of the Boeing 737 MAX
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) maintains ongoing oversight of the Boeing 737 MAX, focusing on design changes, pilot training, and manufacturing processes.
Following the crashes of Lion Air Flight 610 on October 29, 2018, and Ethiopian Airlines flight 302 on March 10, 2019, the FAA grounded all 737 MAX aircraft in the United States on March 13, 2019. The grounding was lifted on November 18,2020,after Boeing implemented software updates to the Maneuvering Characteristics augmentation System (MCAS) and provided enhanced pilot training.
In December 2023, the FAA issued a final product certification for the 737-10, but a crucial exemption allowing its operation without updated cockpit alerting systems expired on December 27, 2023. Reuters reported that lawmakers urged the FAA to approve the certification. As of January 9, 2026, the 737-10 remains uncertified, impacting Boeing’s ability to deliver the aircraft. The FAA is currently reviewing Boeing’s submission for an extension of the exemption.
Boeing Production and Deliveries
Boeing has been working to ramp up production of the 737 MAX, but has faced challenges related to supply chain constraints and quality control issues.
In January 2024, a mid-air incident involving a door plug on an Alaska Airlines 737-9 MAX led to a temporary grounding of the aircraft for inspections. NBC News detailed the incident and subsequent investigation. The FAA afterward issued an airworthiness Directive requiring inspections of all 737-9 MAX aircraft.
as of December 2025, Boeing reported delivering 376 737 MAX aircraft, falling short of its initial goal of 400-500 deliveries for the year.The Seattle Times reported on the delivery shortfall and attributed it to ongoing quality control issues and increased FAA scrutiny. Boeing has announced plans to slow production rates in early 2026 to address these concerns.
Investigations and safety Recommendations
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) continues to investigate the factors contributing to the 2018 and 2019 crashes.
The NTSB’s final report on the Lion Air Flight 610 crash, released in 2019, cited deficiencies in the design and certification of MCAS, as well as inadequate pilot training.The report also highlighted Boeing’s culture of prioritizing profits over safety. The NTSB issued several safety recommendations to Boeing and the FAA.
In January 2026, the NTSB is conducting a review of Boeing’s safety culture and quality control processes, prompted by the Alaska Airlines incident. Aviation Week reported on the NTS