Alaska Airlines CEO Ben Minicucci released a statement regarding the incident that resulted in over 100 flights being canceled due to safety concerns.
On January 5th, Alaska Airlines flight 1282 had to make an energy landing after a door plug was ejected from the Boeing 737-9 Max aircraft.
To start, Minicucci apologized to everyone who was on board and what they experienced. He also expresses gratitude to the crew members who handled the situation with “extreme professionalism.”
Since the incident last Friday, Minicucci says that Alaska Airlines and FAA have grounded 65 Boeing 737-9 Max aircraft, which make up about 20% of their fleet. This means that the airlines have had to cancel 110 to 150 flights every day.
Minicucci says that these aircraft will return to the skies only when all of the problems have been resolved, and meet the standards of Boeing, the FAA, and Alaska Airlines.
“There is nothing more important to all of us at Alaska Airlines than the safety of our employees and you, our guests. Owning safety is our number one foundational value, and one that is deeply personal is value guys our actions today and every day,” said Minicucci.
Regarding flight cancelations, Minicucci has asked his team to give guests as much notice in advance as possible.
“And our reservations team is working around the clock to re-accommodate people on other flights. To all we’ve been impacted by these eruptions, I am sorry. When you make plans, you put your trust in us and we haven’t been able to deliver,” said Minicucci.
Over the past week, Minicucci explains that he’s been working alongside the maintenance and engineering professionals in the Seattle Hanger to learn about the inspection process, while also ensuring the safety of the aircraft.
“We began inspections on January 13. In response and according to the FAS instructions, and we are making good progress, the findings from these inspections and those of other alliances will be compiled by Boeing and FAA to determine the appropriate next steps to return the cemetery seven dash nine Max fleet safely back to service.”
At this time, it’s not known how long this process will take.
Beginning this week, more experienced professionals will be added to the Boeing production line to ensure the quality of the production line for 737.
In summary, Minicucci thanked everyone for being patient during this difficult time and being kind to the employees.
“My personal thanks also to the Alaskan Horizon team members who are working long hours conducting inspections and navigating through disruptions in our operations while taking good care of all of you who are traveling. Our collective commitment to safety is unwavering and we weren’t sure we are even safer and stronger going forward,” said Minicucci.
