Alaska Airlines has issued an update explaining its next steps with regards to the 737-9 MAX aircraft quality assurance, highlighting that it will enhance its own quality oversight of Alaska aircraft on the Boeing production line.
Speaking in a media briefing on January 18, Alaska Airlines CEO Ben Minicucci confirmed that the airline will “initiate and enhance [its] own layers of quality control to the production of [its] airplanes.” Alongside adding “more experienced professionals to the teams that validate work and quality on the production line for the 737,” Boeing’s personnel will also partner with Alaska’s maintenance team “on the design of the enhanced processes” for Alaska’s own quality control.
These next steps come after Alaska’s quality and audit team began a “thorough review of Boeing’s production quality and control systems, including Boeing’s production vendor oversight”.
Describing Flight 1282 as “an extremely sobering reminder that these layers [of quality control and safety assurance] require continuous strengthening and improvement,” Miniucci added that Alaska has cultivated a strong partnership with Boeing since 1966. “’Proudly all Boeing’ is not just a tagline, it’s a commitment,” he concluded. “As the leader of this company, I’m putting all my energy toward ensuring this remains true”.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) also confirmed it has completed the first 40 inspections that comprise a ‘new and necessary step’ towards returning the 737-9 MAX to service. The FAA will now review the data from this ‘rigorous inspection and maintenance process’ pending the final approval of an assessment procedure by which the type can recommence future operation.