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Aircraft/Boeing

Is the Boeing 737 MAX 9 safe?

In short: the Boeing 737 MAX 9 has no fatal accidents and no hull losses on record. Here is the full picture, with the underlying numbers.

Informational only — not safety, operational, or travel advice. These are estimates from public records, provided as-is; see our terms & disclaimer.

0.15

modelled fatal rate / million flights

1.8M

flights flown since 2018

0 / 0

fatal accidents / hull losses on record

The rate is the model's shrinkage-adjusted estimate — the same figure used in a flight's score, not a raw count ÷ flights ratio. See the methodology.

Specifications

ManufacturerBoeing
In service since2018
Years in service8
Active fleet280
EnginesCFM LEAP-1B
Seating178-220
ETOPS180 min
Primary structurealuminum

What the record shows

The MAX 9 has zero fatal accidents in 1.8M flights. The MAX 8 had two fatal crashes (2018-19) caused by a flawed MCAS system, that system was completely redesigned before the MAX 9 entered wide service. A 2024 door plug event (zero fatalities) prompted fleet-wide inspections and strengthened Boeing quality oversight. Today's MAX 9 flies with all post-crisis fixes, enhanced FAA scrutiny, and mandatory pilot training on the redesigned systems.

Engine programme: CFM LEAP-1B, no systemic engine ADs. The MAX's 2018-19 accidents were flight-control (MCAS), not engine-related.

Accidents on record

2018: Crashed into sea 13 min after takeoff

Java Sea · 189 fatalities

2019: Crashed 6 min after takeoff

Addis Ababa · 157 fatalities

2024: Door plug blew out at 16,000ft creating hole in fuselage

Portland

Airlines that fly the Boeing 737 MAX 9