The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced a new airworthiness directive on Thursday, mandating that hundreds of Boeing 737 Max aircraft undergo inspections to address potential structural integrity concerns. The directive applies to three specific variants of the aircraft: the 737 Max 8, the 737 Max 8-200, and the 737 Max 9. According to reports, the order affects approximately 470 planes currently in service.

This regulatory action follows reports received by the FAA regarding potential defects that could impact the safety or performance of the aircraft. While the directive focuses on structural integrity, the specific nature of the defect and the potential risks to flight operations remain under review by aviation authorities. Boeing has acknowledged the directive and is expected to coordinate with operators to ensure the necessary inspections are completed in accordance with FAA timelines. The move represents the latest in a series of regulatory challenges for the 737 Max program, which has faced heightened scrutiny from federal regulators over the past several years. Airline operators are now tasked with scheduling these inspections to maintain compliance with the new federal mandate.