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| Alaska Airlines CEO Unveils Critical Findings on Boeing Aircraft After Narrow Escape © Provided by New York Post |
Startling revelations indicate that a substantial number of the company's 737 MAX 9 planes were afflicted with loose bolts.
Expressing profound discontent, Minicucci voiced his frustrations, declaring, "I am angry. More than frustrated and disappointed.
This unfortunate incident befell Alaska Airlines, impacting both our passengers and our personnel.
My demand from Boeing is a thorough reassessment of their in-house quality programs. Boeing, being a leading entity, should not have allowed Flight 1282 to transpire."
Marking his first interview since the alarming incident, Minicucci brought to light the discovery of loose bolts during an internal inspection of Boeing's model within the airline's fleet.
The incident involved an Alaska Airlines-owned 737 MAX 9 losing a door plug over Oregon during a California-bound flight on January 5, compelling the pilot to execute an emergency landing.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has promptly grounded all MAX 9 jets and initiated a comprehensive safety investigation.
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| © Provided by New York Post |
Furthermore, an audit of the aircraft's production line and suppliers has been announced to scrutinize Boeing's adherence to approved quality procedures.
FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker emphasized the agency's proactive approach, stating, "We've deployed inspectors on-site at Boeing's 737 MAX factory.
Their presence will persist until we are confident in the adequacy of the quality control system. Our methodology is transitioning from an audit-centric approach to a more direct inspection approach."
National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigators have been meticulously examining the fuselage plug area of the affected Boeing 737-9 MAX, recovered from an Oregon property.
Simultaneously, an audit of Boeing's quality control systems and processes has been initiated by Alaska Airlines, demonstrating their commitment to enhancing oversight on the production line.
Minicucci stressed the urgency for Boeing to elevate its quality control measures to avert future incidents. While refraining from predicting when the planes would return to service, Whitaker affirmed the continuous on-site inspection until confidence in the quality assurance system is restored.
Boeing, acknowledging the severity of the situation, expressed deep regret and outlined a comprehensive plan to safely reintegrate the airplanes into service.
United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby echoed frustration with Boeing, contemplating the exclusion of the 737 MAX 10 from the airline's future fleet plans. Citing persistent manufacturing challenges, Kirby emphasized the need for Boeing to take decisive action.
This alarming episode for Alaska Airlines unfolds against the backdrop of Boeing's ongoing efforts to prove the robustness of its quality control and safety procedures, following two fatal 737 MAX crashes that claimed 346 lives.
The CEO emphasized a reevaluation of the airline's long-term strategic plan regarding the MAX 10, reflecting the gravity of the situation and the imperative for Boeing to rectify consistent manufacturing challenges.
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