737 Max jetliner flights have been temporarily suspended by Boeing over a possible manufacturing flaw in the engines.
The 737 Max jetliner had been the fastest-selling airplane in the history of Boeing before the announcement, according to Bloomberg. The media outlet stated that Boeing, along with engine's supplier CFM International — a joint venture of General Electric and Safran SA — is scrambling to determine the issues with the engine before its first delivery.
The Seattle Times reported that the metal disc inside some of the new engines could potentially crack, although no problems were detected during flight testing of the Max jets since January 2016.
"Out of an abundance of caution, we decided to temporarily suspend Max flights," Boeing spokesman Doug Alder said, according to the Times. The announcement will ground about 25 Max test jets and production planes at Boeing Field or Renton Municipal Airport.
"We will work closely with CFM to understand the precise scope and root cause of the quality issue. Max production will continue, as will production and delivery of our (current model) 737 airplanes," Alder continued.
Boeing had expected to make its initial deliveries of the 737 Max by the end of May, but the possible quality defect in the Leap engine's low-pressure turbine disc was discovered during supplier inspections, Bloomberg reported.
Reuters reported that if problems continue, it could lead to some costly disruptions.
The $110 million 737 Max 8, the first version of the plane to be built, seats 162 passengers in a typical two-class configuration, the wire agency noted. Airlines usually receive steep discounts, though.
Reuters stated that Malindo Air, a Malaysian carrier, was scheduled to get the first 737 Max on Monday for use on its Kuala Lumpur-Singapore route from May 19, but officials said they will not use the plane until May 22.
American Airlines Group Inc. has 100 737 Max jetliners on order, but declined to comment on the reported engine problems, noted Reuters.