Max 9 grounding will cost Alaska Airlines $150 million
Alaska Airlines says the grounding of its fleet of Boeing 737 Max 9 jets will cost it about $150 million.
It will also impact its 2024 capacity growth, the airline said in a filing.
Its Boeing Max fleet has been idle since early January after a door plug blew out mid-flight.
It prompted the FAA to impose a grounding of Boeing 737 Max 9 jets.
United Airlines, the other main user of the planes, said it will take a big financial hit due to the ongoing grounding.
It affects a total of 171 planes.
The FAA has now approved an inspection and maintenance process for the aircraft, and a pathway to returning the aircraft to service.
Alaska Airlines says it will have the first few Max jets ready to fly again as early as this Friday.
However, it has downgraded its first quarter capacity growth due to the phased in return to service which will take some time.
It also expects some delays on new aircraft deliveries with more stringent safety and maintenance checks for new aircraft.
Alaska Air CEO this week vented his frustration at the situation which he blames as a Boeing production fault.
The FAA is still investigating Boeing’s production life practices and quality control.
Related News Stories: No UK airlines impacted by Boeing 737-9 Max grounding … Alaska Airlines finds ‘many’ loose bolts Boeing allows airline customer scrutiny at production facilities … Alaska Airlines still canceling over 100 daily flights Alaska Air door panel found in Oregon backyard United forecasts first-quarter loss Air NZ aiming for direct New York flights with new Dreamliners … Boeing flags new safety issue for Max 737 aircraft Norse Atlantic Airways takes delivery of its first aircraft What’s New in San Francisco
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