FAA Ensures Ongoing Inspections While Boeing Groundings Persist

US officials have concluded inspections on the first batch of Boeing planes that were grounded for safety review after a cabin panel broke off during a flight. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) had ordered 171 Boeing planes to be taken out of service following the incident on 5 January. While 40 inspections have been completed, there is no update on when the planes will be cleared to fly. Preliminary reviews by airlines have identified issues like loose bolts. Alaska Airlines and United, the two airlines with the most affected planes, have had to cancel numerous flights since the grounding. The FAA will review the inspections' findings to determine the adequacy of maintenance and inspections, which will then be required for all grounded planes before they can be cleared for flight. The scrutiny on Boeing and the FAA has intensified following the emergency on an Alaska Airlines flight, where a cabin panel blew out after take-off. Passengers from that flight have filed lawsuits alleging fear, trauma, and the malfunctioning of air masks. The FAA has expanded its review of Boeing's manufacturing processes and production lines and is also considering changes to its quality review system. Senator Maria Cantwell has sought documents from the FAA, stating that its oversight processes have been ineffective. Boeing has been working to restore its reputation after the crashes of two 737 Max planes, which prompted a worldwide grounding for over 18 months. The company has faced additional manufacturing issues as production resumed. In another setback, a Boeing plane designated to transport US Secretary of State Antony Blinken was unable to take off due to a critical failure related to an oxygen leak. Boeing announced that an external party will assess its production practices as the company acknowledges that it is not meeting the necessary standards.