Boeing reports new problem with 737 fuselage

Boeing has discovered additional problems with its 737 fuselages, following a fuselage panel on one of its 737 Max 9s becoming detached last month during an Alaska Airlines flight.

The international aircraft maker said Sunday the new problem is related to drilled holes in the fuselage that were discovered by a supplier employee but is not an "immediate flight-safety issue."

However, the problem could delays the near-term deliveries of about 50 aircraft, according to The Hill newspaper.

In the incident in December, a door "plug" blew out of the 737 Max 9 fuselage of the Alaska Airlines flight that departed from Portland, Oregon, leaving a hole in the passenger cabin. 

All the Boeing 737 Max 9 aircraft subsequently were grounded as the planes were inspected, but they have since begun returning to service

Boeing Commercial Airplanes CEO Stan Deal said in a letter Sunday to employees that a worker at one of company's suppliers reported two holes on the fuselage may have not been drilled exactly to the specifications, The Hill also reports.

As a result, he said, Boeing is setting aside days in its 737 program to "allow time for our teams to complete the inspections and, if needed, perform the necessary rework."

Deal also said the issue is "not an immediate flight safety issue and all 737s can continue operating safely.”

The National Transportation Safety Board and Federal Aviation Administration are conducting related investigations.