Important Information for Passengers Flying on Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 Max 9

Alaska Airlines has resumed its Boeing 737 Max 9 flights, marking the return of this particular model to the skies after it was grounded due to safety concerns. The Max 9 jets were temporarily taken out of service following an incident where a panel blew out of the side of one of the planes during a flight. This event led to a comprehensive review and implementation of enhanced safety measures.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has outlined a meticulous inspection process that airlines must adhere to before resuming operations with the Boeing 737 Max 9. The specific focus is on inspecting and, if necessary, repairing door plugs, one of which became dislodged during the incident. Door plugs are used to seal holes left for extra doors on the Max 9, ensuring safety features comply with regulatory standards.

Alaska Airlines and United Airlines are the only two carriers in the United States operating the Boeing 737 Max 9. Alaska Airlines initiated limited flights with these aircraft, while United aims to follow suit shortly. The airlines have taken rigorous steps to address safety concerns and instill confidence in passengers.

Following the incident on Alaska Airlines flight 1282, all 65 Max 9 jets in the airline’s fleet were grounded. The FAA took swift action, grounding all Max 9s in the U.S. out of an abundance of caution. The incident involved the detachment of one of the door plugs while the aircraft was at 16,000 feet above Oregon. Fortunately, the plane was still ascending, and the two seats closest to the dislodged panel were unoccupied.

Subsequent inspections revealed that many of the inspected planes, including those from United Airlines, had loose bolts securing the door plugs. The FAA, in coordination with airlines, has mandated a thorough inspection process for door plugs and other components, requiring adjustments, fastener checks, and repairs if necessary before allowing the planes back into service.

The inspection process, developed based on findings from inspecting 40 grounded planes, involves removing an inner panel, two rows of seats, and a sidewall liner from the cabin. Technicians then inspect and repair the door plug and surrounding hardware before re-securing the panel.

Despite the meticulous safety measures, some passengers have exhibited concerns, leading to a phenomenon known as “booking away.” This refers to a temporary decline in sales as passengers express reservations about flying on the Boeing 737 Max 9. However, Alaska Airlines anticipates that this trend will be short-lived, and confidence in the safety of the aircraft will be gradually restored.

It’s worth noting that flying, in general, is statistically safer than driving and even safer than rail travel on a per-mile basis, according to U.S. Department of Transportation figures. While there have been incidents and close calls that prompt investigations, fatal crashes involving U.S. airliners have been notably absent since 2009.

Boeing, however, is facing increased scrutiny from regulators. The FAA is investigating whether Boeing and its suppliers followed proper safety procedures in manufacturing the part that dislodged during the Alaska Airlines flight. Additionally, the FAA has indicated that it won’t permit Boeing to expand production of Max jets until concerns about the company’s quality control are satisfactorily addressed.

The recent challenges faced by Boeing, combined with delays in certifying the Max 10 model, have given rival Airbus a competitive edge. United CEO Scott Kirby has indicated that the airline is considering alternatives to the Max 10 due to uncertainties surrounding its certification timeline.

As airlines and regulators work collaboratively to ensure the safety of the Boeing 737 Max 9, passengers are encouraged to check the type of aircraft they will be flying on through airline websites, where information about the specific aircraft is typically available. Despite the recent incidents, experts anticipate that public confidence in the safety of the Boeing 737 Max 9 will be restored over time, as has been the case with previous aviation challenges.