Aviation

Boeing ban remains after door blowout as Ryanair backs troubled plane maker

Boeing’s 737 Max 9 models won’t fly again until US regulators deem them safe as airplane maker faces intense scrutiny after door plug ejected from aircraft mid-flight

The Alaska Airlines N704AL Boeing 737 MAX 9 at Portland International Airport in Oregon, US. The plane was involved in a mid-air incident when a door plug blew out. Picture: Getty

Pete Buttigieg, the US US Transportation Secretary, said Wednesday that Boeing Max 9 airplanes would remain grounded until regulators deem them safe to fly, dashing hopes for a quick return to the skies for the beleaguered jet.

“All I’m going to say about that is the only consideration is safety,” Buttigieg told reporters after an appearance at a transportation conference in Washington.

“That’s going to dictate everything.” He didn’t specify how long the process could ...