NTSB Warns of Boeing 737 Safety Risks Across 40 Foreign Airlines

The US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has raised concerns regarding the safety of Boeing 737 aircraft operated by over 40 foreign airlines, citing potentially faulty rudder components. While the NTSB did not specify which airlines may be affected, the agency reported that 271 impacted parts could be installed on these aircraft, with 16 potentially still in US-registered planes and up to 75 used in aftermarket installations.

The safety recommendations follow a February incident involving a United Airlines flight, where issues with the rudder control system were detected. The NTSB warned that the rudder actuator could become stuck, posing a significant safety risk. Jennifer Homendy, chair of the NTSB, expressed concern that "other airlines may be unaware of the presence of these actuators in their 737s" in a letter to FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker.

Boeing has remained tight-lipped on the matter but noted last week that it had informed affected 737 operators about the potential issue with the rudder deployment actuator in August. A spokesperson for All Nippon Airways (ANA), which operates 39 Boeing 737-NGs, confirmed that the airline is in the process of removing the identified components as a precaution, stating that the situation has not impacted operations.

Similarly, Japan Airlines, which operates 62 Boeing 737-800s, reported no use of the affected parts, while China Airlines also indicated no impact.

Ryanair, a major Boeing customer, stated that the component issue has not affected its operations to date. However, the NTSB highlighted past incidents, revealing that two foreign operators experienced similar actuator problems in 2019.

In response to the latest news, Boeing's stock fell 1.5% in pre-market trading on Tuesday.

The NTSB is also investigating a February incident where the rudder pedals of a 737 MAX 8 became "stuck" during landing at Newark.

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has acknowledged the NTSB report and is maintaining close communication with the FAA. Homendy expressed her concerns to Whitaker regarding the FAA's response, stating that she was worried the agency might not take the matter seriously until the urgent safety recommendation report was issued.