United Airlines confirms loose bolts found on 737 MAX 9, amid Alaska blowout issue

United Airlines have confirmed that as part of testing, sparked by the recent Alaska Airlines mid-flight blowout, they have identified loose bolts in their fleet of the Boeing 737 MAX's.

On January 5th 2024, an Alaska Airlines flight was scheduled from Portland to California. Upon reaching 16,000ft, a section of fuselage was violently ripped out, leaving a large hole in the side of an airborne aircraft. Following this, the FAA and authorities around the world ordered grounding of many 737 MAX's, prompting inspections.

United Airlines have today confirmed that they have identified loose bolts which could have lead up to a similar incident, if not found and resolved.

A very concerning discovery that can't mean good things for Boeing. Boeing's stock [BA] is down 8.58% over the last 5 days.