From Time Inc.:

An Alaska Airlines jetliner made an emergency landing after part of its fuselage blew out between Portland and Salt Lake City, prompting U.S. federal authorities to ground 171 Boeing Max 9 planes for inspection. The grounding aims to ensure flight and passenger safety.

The Federal Aviation Administration has ordered a grounding of some 171 planes worldwide. The National Transportation Safety Board has launched an open investigation that may last some months. The grounding order affects about 13 airlines worldwide.

Alaska Airlines has grounded its fleet of 65 Max 9s for inspection and maintenance. United Airlines, the world’s biggest Max 9 operator, also grounded its entire fleet of 79 planes. The impact of the grounding on flying schedules is significant, especially for Alaska Airlines and United Airlines.

Federal officials have declared air travel safe, and aeronautical experts comment handling of the Max 9 incident. Anthony Brickhouse of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University believes that whats happened is extremely rare in air travel, and is distinct from previous incidents that have stirred similar safety concerns.

Meanwhile, Boeing has issued a brief statement saying sorry for the incident and supporting FAA’s decision to impose immediate inspections. The company is providing technical help to the investigators and has declined to provide interviews.



Read more: What happened with Boeing 737-9 Max plane from Alaska Airlines that nearly crashed?