Alaska Airlines is set to resume flights using its fleet of 737 MAX 9 airplanes today after a 19-day grounding by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The grounding followed an incident on January 5th when a door plug blew off during a flight operated by Alaska Airlines. United Airlines, which also owns several 737 MAX 9 aircraft, is planning to resume flights using the same model by Sunday.
The FAA has ungrounded the planes, pending inspections by both Alaska and United Airlines. The focus of the inspections will be on the door plug, specifically examining the guides and bolts. Loose bolts were discovered on the fleets of both airlines, prompting the FAA to mandate thorough inspections and necessary fixes before allowing the aircraft to fly again. The FAA's grounding order officially ended on Wednesday night, and airlines are now working diligently to ensure the safety and readiness of their planes.
The 737 MAX series has faced significant scrutiny and challenges over the past few years, particularly concerning safety concerns and quality issues. The MAX 8 model was involved in two fatal crashes, one in Indonesia in October 2018 (Lion Air Flight JT 160) and another in Ethiopia in 2019 (Ethiopian Airlines ET 302). These crashes resulted in a 20-month grounding of the entire 737 MAX series and cost Boeing over $21 billion.
Internal communications released during the MAX grounding revealed concerns among Boeing employees regarding the aircraft's design and the company's supervision. However, broader questions about Boeing's culture and safety practices have also emerged. The recent incidents have highlighted long-standing issues with the production and quality control of Boeing aircraft, including problems with rubber bolts and pressure vessels.
Senators, including Senator Tammy Duck, are calling for a thorough investigation and accountability regarding the recurring problems with Boeing aircraft. The MAX 10 model is also receiving scrutiny, and United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby expressed his lack of interest in that particular aircraft variant after the recent incidents. There have been concerns raised about various models in the 737 MAX series, indicating the need for a comprehensive evaluation.
This ongoing situation has raised important questions about Boeing's commitment to safety and the effectiveness of its production processes. While some issues have been dramatic, such as the door plug incident on Alaska Flight 1282, many problems have been identified during the production phase. Whistleblower reports have further indicated issues with Boeing's manufacturing, including the production of the 787 in South Carolina.
Congress and passengers alike are seeking answers and reassurances from Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun. The company's response and actions moving forward will determine its ability to regain trust and address the concerns surrounding its aircraft. As Alaska Airlines and United Airlines cautiously resume flights with the 737 MAX 9, the spotlight remains on Boeing's ability to address the underlying problems that have led to these incidents.
