Boeing 737 Max operators told to check fuselages for cracks

Inspections ordered by US regulator will affect about 470 aircraft, after reported problems in earlier models

The Federal Aviation Administration issued the airworthiness directive on Thursday. Photo: Elaine Thompson/AP

The US aviation regulator has ordered inspections of the fuselages of Boeing 737 Max planes for possible cracks in a component.

The Federal Aviation Administration airworthiness directive will affect an estimated 471 aircraft and follows reports of cracks in earlier Boeing models.