160 million $ damage

737-9 Max grounded costs Boeing dearly

On January 5, shortly after take-off, a part of the fuselage (pictured) of an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 MAX broke off during a climb - the aircraft of this type were subsequently grounded.(Bild: 2024 NTSB)

The weeks-long grounding of Boeing 737-9 Max aircraft following a near-accident in January is costing the aircraft manufacturer a lot of money. Boeing paid Alaska Airlines around 160 million dollars (around 148 million euros) in the last quarter as compensation for lost revenue and additional expenses incurred. Further compensation is expected, but details are confidential, Alaska Airlines said on Thursday.

In the incident in January involving an almost new Boeing 737-9 Max operated by Alaska Airlines, a fuselage fragment broke off at seat row 26 shortly after take-off during the climb. The more than 170 people on board were largely spared. However, the two seats near the hole in the fuselage had only remained empty by a lucky coincidence and the aircraft was still at a relatively low altitude.

(Bild: AP/National Transportation Safety Board)

(Bild: Associated Press)

Calls for improved quality controls
According to initial investigations, the accident investigation authority NTSB assumes that four fastening bolts were missing from the fuselage section. There are indications that the fragment slid up further and further until it broke out on the 154th flight of the plane, said NTSB chief Jennifer Homendy at a hearing in the US Senate. It is known that the fuselage fragment was removed from the Boeing factory for rework and then reinserted. However, the company has not yet been able to find any documentation on this and make it available to the investigators. Boeing is under increased pressure to improve quality controls following the incident. CEO Dave Calhoun recently announced his resignation.

In addition to Alaska Airlines, the major US airline United was also forced to ground many aircraft until the end of January following the incident.