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The Boeing 737 MAX, grounded for nearly two years following two fatal crashes, continues to be under intense scrutiny regarding production quality and safety oversight as of January 22, 2026. While the aircraft has returned to service, ongoing investigations and reported manufacturing issues have led to increased regulatory pressure and production adjustments.
Boeing 737 MAX Return to Service & FAA Oversight
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The Federal Aviation Governance (FAA) initially lifted the grounding order for the Boeing 737 MAX on November 18, 2020, after Boeing implemented software updates to the maneuvering Characteristics augmentation System (MCAS), which was implicated in the crashes. However, the FAA continues to maintain heightened oversight of boeing’s design, production, and quality control processes.
Detail: The FAA’s oversight includes increased inspections, reviews of Boeing’s safety management system, and ongoing assessments of the company’s manufacturing facilities. The agency has also implemented a more rigorous certification process for future Boeing aircraft designs.
Example or Evidence: On January 19, 2026, the FAA announced findings that Boeing failed to comply with manufacturing quality control requirements, specifically related to inspections of some 737 MAX fuselage panels. This led to a temporary halt in deliveries of certain 737 MAX models.
National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) Investigations
The NTSB continues to investigate aspects related to the original 2018 and 2019 crashes, focusing on contributing factors beyond the MCAS software.
Detail: The NTSB’s investigations aim to identify systemic issues within Boeing’s safety culture and the FAA’s oversight processes that may have contributed to the accidents. The board’s final reports are expected to include recommendations for improving aviation safety.
Example or Evidence: The NTSB’s preliminary report on the Lion Air Flight 610 crash detailed issues with the aircraft’s angle of attack sensor and the crew’s response to repeated activation of the MCAS system. The final report, expected in late 2026, will provide a comprehensive analysis of the crash.
boeing Production Levels and Recent Issues
Boeing significantly reduced 737 MAX production in 2020 following the grounding, and has been gradually increasing output as the aircraft’s return to service. However, recent quality control issues have prompted further adjustments to production rates.
Detail: in December 2025, Boeing announced a temporary reduction in 737 MAX production to allow for more thorough inspections and quality control checks. The company aims to stabilize production and address the identified issues before ramping up output further.
Example or Evidence: Boeing’s December 15, 2025, press release stated that the company woudl temporarily reduce 737 MAX production to approximately 31 aircraft per month to focus on quality improvements. Prior to this, production had reached approximately 38 aircraft per month.
Recent Panel Incident and Regulatory Response
A January 2026 incident involving a door plug panel on a 737 MAX 9 aircraft operated by Alaska Airlines triggered a new wave of scrutiny and a temporary grounding of the 737 MAX 9 fleet for inspections.
Detail: The incident involved a mid-air blowout of a door plug panel, raising concerns about the quality of Boeing’s manufacturing processes and the effectiveness of it’s quality control procedures. The FAA ordered inspections of all 737 MAX 9 aircraft with similar door plug configurations.
