New flaw in Boeing’s popular 737 Max aircraft to impact deliveries: Boeing has discovered improperly drilled fastener holes on the aft pressure bulkhead of some of its planes, CNBC reports. The manufacturer of the fuselages, Spirit Aerosystems, said that since it relies on various suppliers for the aft pressure bulkhead, only some units are affected. It also stressed that the issue does not compromise flight safety and airlines can continue using the planes. However, inspections to determine how many aircraft are affected and completing the required reworks will delay near-term deliveries, Boeing said. This is the latest in a series of manufacturing issues the company has recently disclosed as it increases production to meet high demand. The problem could hinder Boeing’s plan to deliver 400 to 450 Max jets this year. As of July, Airbus is outpacing Boeing in terms of deliveries for 2023, having handed over 381 planes compared Boeing’s 309.

Hungary eyes extension of EU’s Ukraine grain import ban: Hungary wants an EU ban on the domestic sale of Ukrainian grains that is set to expire on 15 September extended beyond that date, threatening a national import ban otherwise, Reuters reported, citing statements by Hungarian officials. May saw the EU allow Bulgaria, Hungary, Poland, Romania and Slovakia to ban domestic sales of Ukrainian grain to protect local producers while permitting transit for export to other states. The ban is set to expire next month and the group of five central European states are lobbying for its extension until year’s end at the least, the newswire wrote.

Tags: