(Mulugeta Ayene)BREAKING: FAA doubles down on position not to ground the Boeing 737 Max as counterparts in Europe and around the world have done. The agency issued an “airworthiness directive” suspending all flight operations of the 737 Max 8 and 737 Max 9 — another model in the series — in Europe. [China’s ban on the Boeing 737 Max inspires others, ramps up pressure on U.S. regulator]Despite the growing concerns about the plane’s safety, Boeing put on a stoic face, expressing confidence in its product. “Safety is Boeing’s number one priority and we have full confidence in the safety of the 737 MAX,” Boeing said in a statement. A spokesman confirmed reports that two Turkish Airlines 737 Max aircraft had been turned back from the United Kingdom as restrictions there went into effect.

Source: Washington Post March 12, 2019 15:45 UTC