In the aftermath of the nationwide grounding of Boeing 737 Max 9 aircraft, both Alaska and United Airlines have announced additional flight cancellations.
The move follows the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) directive to ground all 737 Max 9 planes after an alarming incident involving Alaska Airlines Flight 1282.
FAA Grounds Boeing 737 Max 9 Fleet Following Disturbing Incident
Alaska Airlines released a statement on its website, revealing that all flights initially scheduled on 737 Max 9 aircraft would be canceled until Saturday. This decision translates to a significant impact, affecting between 110 to 150 flights per day. The airline emphasized its commitment to passenger safety, stating that the cancellations were necessary for inspections and preparations before the aircraft’s return to service.
“We hope this action provides guests with a little more certainty, and we are working around the clock to re-accommodate impacted guests on other flights,” Alaska Airlines assured its passengers.
United Airlines also confirmed the cancellation of 167 Max 9 flights for the current Wednesday, with an expectation of “significant” cancellations on Thursday. The airline plans to reinstate about 45 flights using alternative aircraft types. As of Wednesday afternoon, data from FlightAware indicated a total of 204 United and 121 Alaska flights had been canceled.
On January 6, the FAA issued a directive grounding all 737 Max 9 aircraft after a panel detached from Alaska Airlines Flight 1282. In response, the FAA announced on Tuesday that every Boeing 737 Max 9 with a plug door would remain grounded “until the FAA can safely return to operation.”
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FAA Grounds 737 Max 9, Including Alaska Airlines, Over Safety Concerns
The agency is collaborating with Boeing to develop instructions for carriers to conduct necessary inspections and maintenance.
Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun acknowledged the incident as a “mistake” during a town hall meeting at the Renton, Washington factory that produces 737 planes.
He emphasized Boeing’s commitment to transparency and pledged full cooperation with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) to determine the root cause of the incident.
As the aviation industry grapples with the repercussions of the Boeing 737 Max 9 grounding, both Alaska and United Airlines are diligently working to address the situation and ensure the safety of their passengers.
The ongoing collaboration between regulatory authorities, airlines, and Boeing reflects a collective commitment to prioritizing safety over speed in the aircraft’s return to service.
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