FAA Orders Checks on 471 Boeing 737 MAX Jets, Indian Carriers Say Fleets Safe

The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has ordered inspections of hundreds of Boeing 737 MAX aircraft following reports of cracks in structural components of older 737 models. However, Akasa Air and Air India Express have confirmed that their fleets are not affected by the directive.

The finalised Airworthiness Directive, issued Thursday and effective September 10, applies to certain Boeing 737-8, 737-9 and 737-8200 aircraft. The FAA estimates that 471 aircraft are covered and has ordered inspections for possible cracks, along with checks of fuselage skin on planes with existing repairs.

The directive follows reports of cracks in the forward bear strap of several older Boeing 737 Next Generation aircraft. Bear straps are structural metal components that reinforce areas around doorways and emergency exits.

Although no cracks have been detected so far in the specified 737 MAX models, the FAA said their similar design and build process could make them susceptible to the same condition. The agency warned that the issue could affect the aircraft's structural integrity if left unaddressed.

Boeing said it identified and reported the issue and has been working with operators on inspections for six years. The company notified operators of affected 737 NG aircraft in 2019, while the FAA mandated inspections in 2021. Boeing later extended the checks to 737 MAX aircraft and said it supports the latest directive.

In India, Akasa Air said the directive has no impact on the safety or current operations of its 40 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. It said the mandated inspection is required before an aircraft completes 30,000 flight cycles, a threshold its planes are expected to reach only after more than 13 years at current utilisation.

Air India Express, which operates around 80 Boeing 737 aircraft, also confirmed that its fleet is unaffected. SpiceJet, another major 737 operator, did not comment.

The three Indian carriers together operate more than 140 Boeing 737 aircraft. The FAA action comes amid continued scrutiny of Boeing's safety record following the 2018 and 2019 fatal 737 MAX crashes and a 2024 Alaska Airlines door-plug incident.