Boeing 737 Max: Global inspections after bolt issue and legal developments
American aircraft maker Boeing has urged operators around the world to inspect 737 Max fleets for a loose bolt. The alert was shared by CNBC and followed by notes from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
According to the FAA, an overseas operator found a bolt with a missing nut during routine maintenance of a mechanism. In addition, Boeing identified another aircraft where a nut was not properly tightened. These findings prompted renewed checks to ensure all fasteners meet safety standards before flight operations resume without interruption.
The 737 Max is among the most scrutinized aircraft in Boeing’s catalog. It gained attention after two fatal crashes—one in Ethiopia in 2018 and another in Indonesia in 2019—which led to a worldwide grounding of the model for months while investigations and software updates were implemented. The grounding disrupted fleets, schedules, and supplier operations across the aviation industry.
Earlier this year, a U.S. federal judge set a date for Boeing to appear in court to answer fraud charges related to the twin Max crashes. The case highlights ongoing legal and regulatory scrutiny facing the company as it navigates litigation alongside efforts to regain trust with airlines, regulators, and passengers.
Meanwhile, industry moves continue to shape the aviation market. Lufthansa has remained part of a broader transaction landscape, and reports indicate interest in new aircraft orders from major manufacturers, including Airbus and Boeing, as airlines reassess fleet strategies in light of safety, efficiency, and global demand.
Overall, the situation underscores the critical role of rigorous maintenance, transparent disclosures, and regulatory oversight in sustaining safety standards for widely used aircraft models. The focus remains on ensuring that every bolt, nut, and fastener across fleets meets stringent specifications to prevent future incidents and to support safe, reliable international air travel.