Boeing alerts customers about possible issue with 737 MAX, some jets grounded

SEATTLE — Boeing announced a possible new problem with the 737 MAX jet Friday morning.

This time, the issue may be with the airplane’s electrical system.

The 737 MAX just returned to service in November 2020 after a 20-month grounding following two crashes that killed 346 people after a stall-prevention system pushed down the nose of the plane.

“Boeing has recommended to 16 customers that they address a potential electrical issue in a specific group of 737 MAX airplanes prior to further operations. The recommendation is being made to allow for verification that a sufficient ground path exists for a component of the electrical power system.

“We are working closely with the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration on this production issue. We are also informing our customers of specific tail numbers affected and we will provide direction on appropriate corrective actions,” the company said in a news release.

Southwest Airlines said 30 of its 58 737 MAX jets were affected by Boeing’s notification. The airline is pulling them from its schedule.

United, American, and Seattle-based Alaska airlines also fly the plane.

United said it will remove 16 of the airplanes from its flight schedule. American plans to remove 17 planes.

Alaska only has four affected airplanes, and all have been taken out of service.

Cox Media Group