Photos by Ingrid Barrentine / Alaska Airlines
Alaska Airlines has completed final inspections on our first group of 737-9 MAX aircraft as we move forward to return the fleet to commercial service. We’ll resume flying the 737-9 MAX with Flight 1146 from Seattle to San Diego on Friday afternoon, Jan 26.
On Jan. 24, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approved the detailed inspection and maintenance process for the 737-9 MAX to return to flying. Our Alaska technicians began the inspections that night. We expect inspections on our 737-9 MAX to be completed by the end of next week, allowing us to operate our full flight schedule.
Each of our 737-9 MAX will return to service only after the rigorous inspections are completed and each plane is deemed airworthy according to FAA requirements. The individual inspections are expected to take up to 12 hours per aircraft.
We remain extremely grateful to our skilled Maintenance and Engineering team that is shouldering the inspection work and safely returning the planes to service, along with gratitude to all our employees who continue to help support our guests.
The careful work we’re doing during the inspections
With the approval and direction of the FAA, Alaska technicians will begin the required, detailed inspections.
For the inspection process, the 737-9 MAX has two door plugs – one on the left-hand side of the plane and one on the right in the middle of the cabin. Both door plugs must be inspected according to the FAA-approved inspection guidance. We’ve put together a summary of the inspection checklist:
- Before opening the mid-cabin door plug, we will confirm it was properly installed by ensuring all hardware is in place and all clearances are measured and recorded
- We will then open the door plug and inspect for any damages or abnormalities to the door and seal components, including the guide fittings, roller guides and hinges, and inspect nut plates and fasteners
- We will resecure each door plug and ensure it is sealed properly per approved FAA guidance before the aircraft is returned to service
- Each inspection, including recording detailed measurements of hardware location, could take at least 12 hours for each aircraft
We’re grateful to our skilled maintenance and engineering team members who are undertaking the inspections and safely returning our fleet to service.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often will the door plugs on the 737-9 MAX be inspected in the future?
Our Maintenance and Engineering teams will continue to inspect the two door plugs at least every 24 months when each plane undergoes heavy maintenance checks as part of our standard protocol. In addition, we will inspect the door plugs on new 737-9 MAX aircraft we receive right after delivery.
What happens if a guest prefers not to fly a 737-9 MAX as the planes return to service?
We currently have a Flexible Travel Policy in place through Jan. 31 for our guests to make other travel arrangements. For guests who are not comfortable flying on a 737-9 MAX right now, we’ll work with them. If they request it, we can move them to a different flight on another aircraft. We take great pride in our customer service and want everyone to have a great flight.
How do I know if I’m scheduled to fly on a 737-9 MAX?
The aircraft type is shown in the “Details” tab when booking a flight on alaskaair.com. After booking, it’s found in the guest’s reservation under “Flight Details.”
How long has Alaska been flying the 737-9 MAX?
Our first 737-9 MAX flight was on March 1, 2021. It was a flight from Seattle to Los Angeles.
What’s the seating configuration of Alaska’s 737-9 MAX?
Our 737-9 MAX carries 178 passengers with a seating configuration of 16 First Class seats, 24 Premium Class seats and 138 seats in the main cabin.
A message from Alaska Airlines CEO Ben Minicucci
Our next steps with the Boeing 737-9 MAX and aircraft quality assurance.
