Efforts by aircraft maker Boeing Co (NYSE:BA) to get its troubled 737 MAX planes back into the air have hit more turbulence as US regulators are demanding the firm allow them to inspect every aircraft before allowing delivery to airlines.
In a statement issued late on Tuesday, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said it will not approve the MAX for flight until it completes a review of the aircraft’s design changes and pilot training, potentially scuppering Boeing’s plans to resume deliveries before the end of this year. The firm currently has around 600 MAX planes sitting in storage.
READ: Boeing reports sharp fall in 3Q profits as 737 MAX scandal hits results
Boeing was forced to ground all of its MAX aircraft in March following two fatal crashes in Ethiopia and Indonesia.
Investigations into the crashes later revealed that a fault in the MAX’s flight computer had pushed the planes into uncontrollable nosedives, forcing Boeing to adjust its designs and pilot training requirements to remedy the issue.
The crisis has placed the company under intense pressure, both in terms of public relations and finances, and has already claimed the head of its commercial airplanes division, Kevin McAllister, who was sacked in October.
There is also speculation around whether Boeing’s chief executive, Dennis Muilenburg, will be able to hold onto his own job in the wake of the crisis.
The issues also resulted in Boeing’s profits plunging 53% in its latest third quarter, while the firm has also announced plans to slash production of its 787 Dreamliner to 12 planes per month for two years, starting in late 2020.