Korean airlines to conduct checks on Boeing MAX jets amid safety concerns

Korean airlines have been ordered to conduct safety checks on their Boeing 737 MAX planes after a cabin panel blowout forced a MAX 9 jet, operated by Alaska Airlines, to make an emergency landing in the United States, Friday (local time). According to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport on Sunday, it issued a notice telling five companies operating Boeing 737 MAX 8 jets ― Korean Air, Eastar Jet, T’way Air, Jeju Air and Jin Air ― to thoroughly check for any safety issues with their aircraft. The ministry said none of the Korean companies operate the MAX 9 model, adding that the notice was sent as a preemptive measure to ensure safety. This comes after the shocking incident, in which the MAX 9 terrified its 177 passengers and crew after losing a fuselage panel midair, 20 minutes after leaving Portland International Airport. Luckily, no one aboard was seriously injured and the plane returned to the airport. But it raised concerns over the safety of the model. Soon afterward, US regulators ordered the temporary grounding of some Boeing 737 MAX 9 planes. The FAA said it was requiring immediate inspections of certain MAX 9 jets operated by US airlines or flown in the country by foreign carriers. The plane in question is relatively new, and had been delivered from Boeing on Oct. 31. In a statement, Boeing said it would fully cooperate with the planned inspections. “Safety is our top priority and we deeply regret the impact this event has had on our customers and their passengers,” the company said on its website. “In addition, a Boeing technical team is supporting the NTSB’s investigation into last night's event. We will remain in close contact with our regulator and customers.”<br/>