FAA will keep Boeing 737 Max 9 grounded until ‘extensive inspection and maintenance is conducted’

The FAA announced Friday that it plans to keep the Boeing 737 Max 9 grounded until “extensive inspection and maintenance is conducted” and the data is reviewed. 

The decision comes nearly a week after the agency grounded the aircraft following a incident in which an exit door flew off of a plane that was headed for Portland, Oregon, last week. 

“We are working to make sure nothing like this happens again,” FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker said Friday. “Our only concern is the safety of American travelers and the Boeing 737-9 MAX will not return to the skies until we are entirely satisfied it is safe.”