Alaska Airlines returns 737 MAX 9 that exploded in mid-air to Boeing by Reuters

Alaska Airlines said Friday it has returned to Boeing the 737 Max 9 aircraft whose door panel blew off in flight in January.

“They have taken possession of it and the registration has been changed,” an Alaska Airlines spokesperson said, adding that an order for a new 737-10 has also been placed.

Boeing has told its suppliers that there will be a three-month delay in a key production phase of its 737 family of jetliners, sources told Reuters earlier this month.

U.S. investigators on Thursday imposed sanctions on Boeing for disclosing details of the explosion investigation and said they would refer its conduct to the Justice Department, prompting the aircraft maker to issue an apology.