Resurgence of Boeing 737 Max 9 Jets: Alaska Airlines and United Airlines
Alaska Airlines and United Airlines are all set to return their Boeing 737 Max 9 jets to service resurrecting the much-questioned aircraft model back into the blue yonder. Both airlines have confirmed their confidence in the safety of the aircraft and are ready to schedule their flights with Boeing 737 Max in the coming days.
A Throwback to the Grounding Period
A refresher on the idle period of the aircraft reveals that the Boeing 737 Max 9 was sidelined for almost two years following two fatal crashes. The fatal accidents brought about a worldwide grounding and raised important safety concerns about the craft’s software and systems. However, the 20-month grounding period has provided ample time for a complete re-evaluation of the aircraft, its systems and implemented software, leading to substantial improvements and stringent aviation scrutiny.
Safety is the Top-flight Priority
Alaska Airlines and United Airlines have maintained that safety remains their uppermost priority. The commitment to passenger safety is affirmed by the airlines agreeing for the return of MAX only after the FAA’s removal of the grounding order. Both airlines have communicated openly about the efforts taken to ensure safety as they prepare to return the Boeing 737 Max orders to their fleets.
Understanding the Return to Skies
The FAA in November 2020 authorized the MAX to return to skies after scrutinizing its multiple safeguards and safety implications. The jets, in turn, had to exhibit compliance with a series of requirements that were carved from the recommendations put forward by various safety experts from across the globe.
The airlines, United and Alaska, indicated their return to MAX usage in response to FAA’s lift of the grounding order. United Airlines confirmed about implementing multiple flights in the first quarter, while Alaska Airlines confirmed debuting MAX in March.
Alaska Airlines’ Increased Boeing 737 Max Orders
A noteworthy aspect of this development is Alaska Airlines’ expansion of its Boeing 737 Max orders. The company increased its MAX 9 orders from an initial 32 to a whopping 68. Notably, these new orders have replaced the previously leased aircraft in operation. The company expressed its faith in the efficiency and guest experience promised by the 737 MAX, rooting their trust in the aircraft’s extensive review and test process.
United Airlines’ Assurance of Safety and Pilot Training
United Airlines has also stood its ground on safety assurance and pilot training for the Boeing 737 Max. Convincing the public about the safety of the aircraft is as critical as ensuring its airworthiness. Thus, the company has amped up its efforts to educate its clientele about the aircraft’s safety, the improvements made, and the rigorous pilot training processes it went through.
In the Fold Again
Thus, the Boeing 737 Max 9 has weathered the storm, returning stronger and safer. The return of the aircraft not only marks a momentous milestone for Boeing but also signifies the belief that air travel corporations such as Alaska Airlines and United Airlines have in the aviation giant. The return of the 737 Max, after surviving a serious challenge, assures the global aviation industry of its resilience and preparedness for safe flights in the future.