Cruz calls on feds to ground Boeing 737 Max

lion-max-10 — Boeing and the Lion Air Group today announced the airline purchased 50 of Boeings new 737 MAX 10 airplane, which will be the most fuel-efficient and profitable single-aisle jet in the aviation industry. This rendering shows the airplane in the carrier's livery. (Boeing illustration) (PRNewsfoto/Boeing)

U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, today called on federal regulators to temporarily ground 737 Max aircraft.

Cruz is chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation’s Subcommittee on Aviation and Space. The call comes after an Ethiopian Airlines flight crashed on Sunday and a Lion Air Flight crashed last October.

“In light of the decisions of regulatory agencies across the world to ground the Model 737 Max, including those in the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Australia, and other countries, I believe it would be prudent for the United States likewise to temporarily ground 737 Max aircraft until the FAA confirms the safety of these aircraft and their passengers,” Cruz said in a statement. “Further investigation may reveal that mechanical issues were not the cause, but until that time, our first priority must be the safety of the flying public.

“As chairman of the Subcommittee on Aviation and Space, I intend to hold a hearing to investigate these crashes, determine their contributing factors, and ensure that the United States aviation industry remains the safest in the world,” Cruz added.

In a shocking report, the Dallas Morning News reported, “pilots repeatedly voiced safety concerns about the Boeing 737 Max 8 to federal authorities.”

American Airlines and Southwest Airlines both fly the aircraft.

Boeing Statement

In a statement, Boeing said safety remains its top priority.

“Safety is Boeing’s number one priority and we have full confidence in the safety of the 737 MAX,” the company said. “We understand that regulatory agencies and customers have made decisions that they believe are most appropriate for their home markets. We’ll continue to engage with them to ensure they have the information needed to have confidence in operating their fleets. The United States Federal Aviation Administration is not mandating any further action at this time, and based on the information currently available, we do not have any basis to issue new guidance to operators.”