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- Boeing continues to face intense scrutiny and production limitations following the January 5, 2024 mid-air incident involving Alaska Airlines Flight 1282, which led to a temporary grounding of...
- Boeing's 737 MAX production remains constrained as the company implements a comprehensive plan to address quality control issues identified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
- The FAA issued a Notice of Proposed Safety Certificate Action against Boeing on December 21, 2023, alleging violations of manufacturing quality control procedures.
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Boeing continues to face intense scrutiny and production limitations following the January 5, 2024 mid-air incident involving Alaska Airlines Flight 1282, which led to a temporary grounding of the 737 MAX 9 and a broader investigation into Boeing’s manufacturing quality control. As of January 14, 2026, production rates remain below pre-incident levels, and the FAA continues to oversee Boeing’s corrective actions.
Boeing 737 MAX Production Status
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Boeing’s 737 MAX production remains constrained as the company implements a comprehensive plan to address quality control issues identified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Production rates are currently capped at approximately 38 aircraft per month, substantially lower than the pre-incident rate of 50 per month.
The FAA issued a Notice of Proposed Safety Certificate Action against Boeing on December 21, 2023, alleging violations of manufacturing quality control procedures. The FAA’s statement details the alleged failures related to inspections of the 737 MAX 9 door plugs. Boeing responded to the FAA’s notice on January 15, 2024, outlining its corrective actions.
On January 8, 2026, Boeing announced a further delay in the delivery of several 737 MAX aircraft due to ongoing inspections and rework. The company estimates a $2.1 billion impact to its fourth-quarter 2025 earnings related to these issues.
Boeing’s Response to FAA Action
Boeing acknowledges the FAA’s concerns and is actively working to implement the required corrective actions. the company has appointed a new Vice president of Quality, Shirley Hauck, and established a dedicated Quality assurance Council reporting directly to the CEO.
Boeing CEO David Calhoun stated in a January 10, 2024, company-wide message that “quality must come before volume.” The full statement outlines a commitment to a more rigorous quality control process and increased transparency with the FAA.
As of January 14, 2026, Boeing has completed approximately 85% of the required inspections and repairs on the grounded 737 MAX 9 fleet.
Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 Investigation
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) continues its investigation into the January 5, 2024, incident on Alaska Airlines Flight 1282, where a door plug blew out mid-flight. The NTSB’s preliminary report, released January 10, 2024, details the sequence of events and identifies missing bolts as a key factor in the incident.
The investigation is focused on the manufacturing process at Boeing’s Renton, Washington, facility and the quality control procedures in place at the time the aircraft was assembled. The NTSB is also examining the documentation related to the installation of the door plug.
On December 20, 2025, the NTSB issued subpoenas to several Boeing employees involved in the manufacturing and inspection of the affected 737 MAX 9 aircraft. The subpoenas seek additional documentation and testimony related to the incident.
Alaska Airlines’ Response
Alaska Airlines has been cooperating fully with the NTSB investigation and has implemented its own internal review of its 737 MAX 9 fleet. The airline resumed 737 MAX 9 service on January 28,2024,after receiving FAA approval following the completion of inspections and repairs.
Alaska Airlines CEO Ben Minicucci stated on January 8, 2024, that the airline is “deeply concerned” by the findings of the NTSB investigation and is working with boeing to ensure the safety of its fleet.