From Investing.com:

A mid-air blowout has put jetmaker Boeing back in the regulatory crosshairs, just as it was awaiting approval of new models of its best-selling MAX jet. Investigators are unsure what caused a door plug to fall off from an aircraft operated by Alaska Airlines, with 171 passengers on board. The Federal Aviation Administration said 171 Boeing MAX 9 airplanes would remain grounded until safe operation is confirmed. The mishap comes as Boeing and supplier Spirit AeroSystems are dealing with ongoing production setbacks. Boeing has been under pressure to expand the MAX portfolio and narrow the gap with rival Airbus, which has gained market share since two Boeing MAX crashes in 2018 and 2019. Boeing’s struggles also come under the watchful eye of China, a key market broadly closed to the jetmaker in recent years. Since the 737 MAX was grounded in March 2019, Boeing shares have dropped by more than 40% while Airbus shares are up 25%. The first clue to the fallout will be how regulators treat certification of the smallest and least-sold version, the MAX 7, which is next up for approval, said Jeff Guzzetti, a former U.S. air crash investigator.

The investigation into the door plug falling off from the aircraft by Alaska Airlines could rekindle a debate over recent quality problems. Experts said the investigation could spark debate over recent quality problems if the production issue was the root cause of the MAX 9 panel dislodging itself. Although Boeing’s 737 manufacturing line has evolved, it was never intended to produce 750 aircraft a year. Past initiatives that put pressure on suppliers to cut costs, as well as a disconnect between top executives and engineering and manufacturing corps, have added to Boeing’s difficulties. Recent 737 production setbacks include loose or missing hardware on the rudder system of two MAX jets, improperly drilled holes made by Spirit, and the incorrect attachment of brackets joining the MAX’s aft fuselage to its tail. In February, Boeing was forced to pause 787 Dreamliner deliveries after a data analysis error was found. Boeing insists its patience is paying off.



Read more: Mid-air blowout puts Boeing back in the hot seat By Reuters