FAA says Boeing 737 MAX may have faulty parts

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration says Boeing Co’s more than 300 of the grounded 737 MAX and the prior generation 737 may contain improperly manufactured parts and that the agency will require these parts to be quickly replaced.

Up to 148 of the part known as a leading-edge slat track that was manufactured by a Boeing supplier are affected, covering 179 MAX and 133 NG aircraft worldwide. Slats are movable panels that extend along the wing’s front during takeoffs and landings to provide additional lift. The tracks guide the slats and are built into the wing. In a statement issued after the FAA announcement, Boeing said it has not been informed of any in-service issues related to this batch of slat tracks.