Hundreds of Boeing 737 MAX planes grounded after discovery of incorrectly installed seats

A new order from the Federal Aviation Administration forces over 400 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft to remain on the ground, after a defect was found in the seat fastening that could endanger passenger safety during an emergency landing.

The proposed order affects 453 aircraft registered in the U.S., although the FAA did not specify whether the same obligation would extend to fleets operating outside American territory. However, international airlines generally follow these directives when they are relevant to their aircraft.

The regulatory agency announced that it has received information that some passenger seats were not correctly placed on the tracks that keep them fixed.

As for the deadlines for inspections and necessary repairs, details remain unclear for the moment. Boeing did not offer any immediate response regarding this FAA order.