FAA Launches Formal Investigation into Boeing Following Cabin Panel Blowout
Alaska Airlines and United Airlines Cancel Flights as Boeing Faces Class Action Lawsuit
- The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has launched a formal investigation into Boeing following a cabin panel blowout on an Alaska Airlines-operated 737 Max 9 jet, which led to an emergency landing.
- Boeing CEO David Calhoun referred to faults found on the Boeing 737-9 MAX, the loose bolts on some plug doors installed on this aircraft type, as a “quality escape.”
- Alaska Airlines and United Airlines, the largest operators of the Boeing 737-9 aircraft model equipped with the “door plug,” have cancelled multiple flights due to restricted capacity while these aircraft are grounded.
- Boeing now faces litigation as a class action lawsuit was filed against the company on behalf of the passengers on Alaska Airlines flight 1282.
- Alaska Airlines has offered passengers involved in the flight 1282 incident $1,500 in compensation, though the airline may also face litigation for “emotional distress.”