WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) – Federal officials are clearing the way for grounded Boeing planes to resume flying.
This comes less than a month after the Alaska airlines mid-air incident, where a door panel blew off a 737 Max 9.
The FAA released the final instructions to airlines to begin inspections and once the planes pass the test, they can return to service.
The CEO of Boeing, Dave Calhoun, was on Capitol Hill this week reassuring senators that the company is working to ramp up the safety of Max 9 jets.
“We’re going to make sure that we convey our message on all the work we’re doing and our faith in our people and our airplanes,” said Calhoun.
Earlier this month a door panel blew off mid-air on an Alaska airlines flight heading to southern California. Immediately after, the FAA launched an investigation into Boeing and grounded more than 170 737 Max 9 aircraft.
This week federal regulators approved the jets inspection process, giving the green light to airlines to resume flying.
But not all senators are convinced the jets under inspection are ready to take flight.
I’m concerned about flying on the 373. I travel a lot,” said Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.)
Ohio Republican J.D. Vance wants Congress to do its own investigation.
“Until we can certify that these aircraft are safe, I think they should stay grounded,” said Vance.
Washington Democratic Senator Maria Cantwell agrees. She says Boeing needs more oversight to ensure its putting safety ahead of profits.
Cantwell and Texas Republican Senator Ted Cruz say Boeing’s CEO will have to answer more questions from the Commerce committee in a public hearing.
“Is there a broader problem that makes it likely there will be safety issues on other planes? I don’t think we know enough now to answer that,” said Cruz.
