In a recent development, Boeing has issued a directive to global operators of Boeing 737 MAX, including Air India Express, SpiceJet, and Akasa in India, to conduct safety inspections on the aircraft. This call comes after the discovery of a loose bolt in one of the planes, prompting Boeing to instruct operators to examine specific tie rods responsible for controlling rudder movement.
A senior Directorate General of India (DGCA) official confirmed the standard protocol for necessary checks, stating, “The original equipment manufacturer (OEM) has already issued instructions to all operators for the necessary checks.”
Akasa, with 20 B737 MAX in its fleet, assured that the issue would not impact operations. SpiceJet, operating 12 MAX aircraft, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that the matter would have no operational consequences. Air India Express, with nine MAX planes, is reportedly taking all required measures in response to the safety directive.
Senior pilots familiar with this aircraft type explained, “Rudder is connected to empennage (tail of aircraft) through hinges by multiple nuts. Boeing recommended the inspections after an international operator discovered a bolt with a missing nut while performing routine maintenance on a mechanism in the rudder-control linkage. Our engineering is doing the required checks.”
The B737 MAX, previously grounded globally from March 2019 to December 2020 due to safety concerns, underwent significant modifications before resuming operations. The recent safety directive adds to the challenges faced by the aviation industry, particularly considering the ongoing issues with Pratt & Whitney’s engines for Airbus A320neo.
IndiGo currently has around 50 planes grounded due to engine-related problems, and the potential grounding of B737 MAX aircraft could exacerbate the capacity crunch, potentially leading to fare hikes.
