Airline Executive Sits Near Power Outlet on First Flight of Boeing 737 Max 9 post Three-Week Halt, Carrying Passengers for the First Time
Alaska Airlines' Boeing 737 Max 9 took to the skies once again on Friday, April 7, 2023, marking the model's first flight since it was grounded by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) three weeks ago. Alaska Airlines Flight 1146, bound for San Diego, departed from Seattle at approximately 3:51 pm local time (6:51 pm ET).
Passengers onboard included Doug Bowman, who had important engagements in San Diego, and Sarah Edgbert, who initially felt anxious about the flight but later stated that she realized it was probably the safest plane out there due to the extensive tests it has undergone since the incident. Interestingly, Ms. Edgbert was unaware that her flight was on a 737 Max 9 until reaching the gate and spotting news crews.
The grounding was due to a door plug blowout incident on Alaska Airlines Flight 1282. In response, Alaska Airlines grounded its 737 Max 9 fleet out of an abundance of caution, and following the NTSB investigation, is involved in implementing recommended safety enhancements.
Boeing has made design changes intended to prevent a repeat of the door-plug blowout. These changes include stricter compliance with parts removal and reinstallation procedures during manufacturing to ensure all securing bolts and hardware are correctly installed and documented. Boeing has also acknowledged the need for improved training and guidance for its manufacturing personnel to ensure consistent compliance with these procedures.
Alaska Airlines, in cooperation with the FAA and Boeing, has refined inspection procedures to ensure the planes' safety before resuming operations. The FAA has been criticized for ineffective oversight and surveillance, indicating that both Boeing and the FAA are under pressure to improve their compliance enforcement practices.
Passenger safety concerns regarding unsecured objects during cabin depressurization and the risk to very young children have been raised. While FAA regulations currently allow children under two to sit in adults' laps without additional restraints, the incident has spurred calls for additional security measures or regulatory changes to enhance child safety onboard.
United Airlines has Max 9s available as spares in the meantime. Alaska Airlines COO, Constance von Muehlen, accompanied the first flight of the resumed 737 Max 9 service, expressing full confidence in the aircraft despite the recent grounding. Alaska Airlines CEO Ben Minicucci anticipates a return to full capacity once the Max 9 is back in service.
Meanwhile, passenger Kent, a traveller on the Max 9 flight, expressed concerns about the flight but did not plan to change his habits. Sarah Edgbert, another passenger, emphasized her trust in the safety of the plane after realizing the extensive tests it has undergone.
Flight N929AK, originally scheduled to depart Seattle on Friday, is now expected to land in San Diego around 9 pm ET due to a delay. Alaska Airlines has three scheduled Max 9 flights on Friday, while United Airlines plans its first Max 9 flight for Sunday.
In summary, safety measures implemented for the Boeing 737 Max 9’s return to service include Boeing’s design modifications to prevent door plug blowouts, improved manufacturing training and oversight, closer FAA regulatory surveillance, and likely enhanced operational procedures by Alaska Airlines in response to the NTSB’s recommendations.
Sarah Edgbert, initially feeling anxious about her flight on the Boeing 737 Max 9, later expressed her trust in the plane's safety after learning about the extensive tests it underwent, contrary to the negative news surrounding the aviation industry and finance. In light of the grounding and subsequent resumption of the 737 Max 9 flights, the transportation industry and its regulatory bodies, such as the Federal Aviation Administration, are under increased pressure to ensure improved safety standards and compliance, particularly in regards to child safety on board and unsecured objects during cabin depressurization.
