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the Boeing 737 MAX, grounded worldwide in March 2019 following two fatal crashes, has undergone extensive software updates and safety reviews, and has been recertified to fly by numerous international aviation authorities. As of January 23, 2026, the 737 MAX is operating commercially, though scrutiny and ongoing monitoring continue.
The Boeing 737 MAX Grounding
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The Boeing 737 MAX grounding began in March 2019 after crashes of Lion Air Flight 610 on October 29, 2018, and Ethiopian airlines Flight 302 on March 10, 2019, killed a combined 346 people. Investigations revealed a common link: a faulty Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System (MCAS).
MCAS was designed to automatically push the nose of the aircraft down to prevent stalls, but relied on input from a single angle of attack (AOA) sensor. The system could be triggered by a faulty sensor, repeatedly forcing the nose down, and pilots struggled to regain control. The FAA initially certified the 737 MAX without requiring extensive pilot training on MCAS.
Example: The final report of the Joint Investigators Team (JIT) for the Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 crash, released in July 2019, detailed the role of MCAS and the lack of adequate pilot training. Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 Final Report
Recertification and Software Updates
The Federal Aviation Management (FAA) initiated a review of the 737 MAX’s design and safety systems in 2019. Boeing developed software updates to address the MCAS issues, including making it less powerful and relying on input from two AOA sensors. These updates also included enhanced flight crew operating manual guidance and new pilot training requirements.
The FAA conducted extensive testing and simulations of the updated software. In November 2020, the FAA issued a directive lifting the grounding order, but required Boeing to implement the software updates, pilot training, and other safety enhancements. Other aviation authorities, including the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and Transport Canada, followed suit with their own recertification processes.
Detail: The FAA’s Safety Management system (SMS) played a crucial role in the recertification process, focusing on identifying and mitigating potential hazards. FAA Safety Management System
Current Status (January 23, 2026)
As of January 23, 2026, the Boeing 737 MAX is back in commercial service worldwide.Boeing has delivered over 1,400 737 MAX aircraft as the grounding was lifted. Though, the company continues to face scrutiny regarding it’s safety culture and manufacturing processes. In January 2024, a door plug blew out on an Alaska Airlines 737 MAX 9 mid-flight, prompting another temporary grounding of that specific model for inspections.
Example: On January 19,2026,Boeing announced a comprehensive plan to address quality control issues and enhance safety oversight,following recommendations from a national Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) examination into the Alaska Airlines incident. Boeing Announces Comprehensive plan
- Federal Aviation administration (FAA): FAA Website – The primary regulatory body overseeing aviation safety in the united States.
- Boeing: Boeing Website – The manufacturer of the 737 MAX aircraft.
- National Transportation Safety board (NTSB): NTSB Website –
