MADRID, 16 Oct. (EUROPA PRESS) -

Boeing has expanded its investigation into production problems affecting the 737 MAX, following a report on new inspections related to a recent defect that affected the company's shares last Friday, falling 3.29% to 185 euros per share.

X-ray inspections of the 737 Max aft pressure bulkhead have been expanded to include hand-drilled fasteners in addition to the laser-guided installations previously under scrutiny, The Air Current reports and Bloomberg reports.

The new inspections and rework risk further slowing Boeing's goal of increasing production of the single-aisle plane, the outlet said, citing people familiar with the matter.

In an emailed statement, Boeing notes that they continue to take the time necessary to ensure that "each aircraft meets standards and regulatory requirements prior to ticketing and delivery."

In addition, Ryanair recently announced a series of reductions to its winter 2023 schedule as a result of delays in the delivery of Boeing aircraft between September and December. The Irish airline expected to receive 27 aircraft in this interval, but now estimates that it will have only 14 aircraft between October and December.

Thus, the company has stated that it is working with Boeing to try to accelerate deliveries in the period from January to May 2024, so that it can begin the peak travel season of summer 2024 with the 57 new aircraft deliveries planned.

In September, the American manufacturer delivered a total of 15 737 MAX, while in August and July there were 22 and 32, respectively.