Alaska Airlines recently made a shocking discovery during in-house inspections of their Boeing 737 Max 9 planes. The inspections were conducted after a near-disaster incident earlier this month, in which a panel on one of their Max 9 jets blew out midair with 177 people on board. CEO Ben Minicucci revealed that “many” of the aircraft were found to have loose bolts. This revelation raises serious concerns about the quality control and safety standards of Boeing.
Safety Concerns Plague Boeing
Speaking in an exclusive interview with NBC News, Minicucci expressed his frustration and anger over the situation. He demanded that Boeing take immediate action to improve their in-house quality programs. The incident prompted the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to ground all Boeing Max 9 planes and launch a safety investigation. The FAA also announced an audit of Boeing’s Max 9 production line and suppliers to evaluate their compliance with approved quality procedures. Lawmakers are also questioning Boeing’s quality control systems and expressing concerns about the safety of its airplanes.
Impact on Alaska Airlines and Passengers
As a result of the grounding of Boeing Max 9 planes, Alaska Airlines had to cancel and rearrange its flight schedule, causing inconvenience to thousands of passengers. The airline, which had the highest percentage of Max 9 planes among major carriers, is now facing significant challenges. Minicucci emphasized that Alaska Airlines is implementing additional oversight on the production line at Boeing, including sending audit staff to ensure the highest levels of excellence and quality in every aircraft delivered to them.
Uncertainty for United Airlines
Another major airline, United Airlines, has also faced similar issues with loose bolts on its Max 9 planes. United CEO Scott Kirby revealed in an interview with CNBC that the airline is now considering a future without the Boeing 737 Max 10, a newer version of the popular jet. This uncertainty highlights the widespread concerns about the safety and reliability of Boeing aircraft.
Boeing Takes Responsibility
In response to the situation, Boeing issued a statement apologizing to its airline customers and expressing deep regret for the disruption caused. The company acknowledged that it has let down its customers and is committed to bringing the affected airplanes back to service safely. Boeing is implementing a comprehensive plan to improve its quality and delivery performance, and it will cooperate with the FAA and support its customers throughout the process.
While the investigation into the faulty door incident continues, Alaska Airlines and other carriers are closely monitoring the situation. The decision on the future fleet mix will be based on what is best for the long-term strategic plan of each airline. It is crucial for Boeing to regain the trust of its customers and ensure the highest standards of safety and quality in its aircraft.
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