Part of Grounded Boeing Aircraft Built in Fort Wayne

(photo courtesy of Boeing)

A portion of the Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft that the Federal Aviation Administration grounded Wednesday is built in Indiana. Our partners at WPTA-TV in Fort Wayne report BAE Systems Inc. produces spoiler control units for the aircraft at its facility near Fort Wayne International Airport.

The units, which affect the lift of the plane, are built in Fort Wayne and shipped to Washington for installation. BAE Systems received the contract to make the systems in 2013.

President Donald Trump announced Wednesday afternoon the FAA would be grounding all 737 MAX 8 and MAX 9 aircraft following the recent crash of an Ethopian Airlines flight. The crash was the second in recent months involving the aircraft.

BAE Systems released the following statement Wednesday evening to WPTA:

The cause of the Ethiopian Airlines crash remains under investigation. As a trusted supplier to Boeing on the 737 MAX, we stand ready to provide support and assistance to the investigation if needed. Any further inquiries regarding this matter should be directed to Boeing.

You can read more from WPTA-TV by clicking here.