Alaska Airlines Implements Enhanced Quality Controls for Boeing 737 Production

Alaska Airlines (NYSE:ALK) has unveiled its plans to implement and expand quality-control inspections on the production of its aircraft, following a recent midair emergency involving one of its Boeing (NYSE:BA) 737 Max 9 planes. The incident has prompted the airline to take proactive steps to bolster its quality assurance practices.

The Federal Aviation Administration has initiated a formal investigation into Boeing’s operations subsequent to a metal panel detachment from the cabin of a 737 Max 9 operated by Alaska Airlines. The aircraft experienced an alarming situation, compelling the pilots to execute an emergency landing in Portland, Oregon, on January 5.

Following a recent consultation with Boeing’s leadership team, Alaska Air confirmed its commitment to collaborating with its maintenance team in devising enhanced processes to fortify its quality control over Boeing aircraft. The airline also intends to bolster its supervision of Alaska aircraft on the Boeing production line, expanding its team with additional experienced professionals to ensure the validation of work and quality on the Boeing 737 production line.