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Boeing to keep 737 Max grounded until mid-year

caption: Boeing 737 Max aircraft operated by Southwest Airlines crowd the tarmac of the airport in Victorville, Calif., after the Federal Aviation Administration grounded the planes last year. On Thursday, the FAA released its report on the craft's controversial certification process.
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Boeing 737 Max aircraft operated by Southwest Airlines crowd the tarmac of the airport in Victorville, Calif., after the Federal Aviation Administration grounded the planes last year. On Thursday, the FAA released its report on the craft's controversial certification process.
AFP via Getty Images

The company expects the MAX to remain grounded until mid-year, marking yet another setback for the manufacturing giant.

Boeing officials said this changes nothing for Renton workers who are still on the job despite, completing the last MAX for now.

But suppliers could face "hardship" and "risk," according to Boeing. They now face possibly half a year without a major customer. Airlines thought they could fly the MAX come April. Now they could face their second summer without the jet.

"Returning the MAX safely to service is our number one priority," Boeing officials said. "And we are confident that will happen."

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