Boeing 737 MAX Safety Issue Found in Over 31,000 Seats

Boeing is facing another safety issue after the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) discovered that over 31,000 seats on Boeing 737 MAX planes may disengage from their tracks during emergency situations or severe turbulence.

The FAA estimates that up to 69 seats on every one of the 453 737-8, 737-9, and 737-8200 U.S.-based jets could require reassembly. This comes after the FAA allowed Boeing to self-certify its own planes for safety.

Airlines such as United Airlines and Southwest Airlines will have to inspect and repair affected seats, with the FAA estimating that each seat assembly will cost about $85 to inspect, including labor costs. Globally, the directive will include checking the seats on 1,028 Boeing airplanes.

Boeing has stated that they support the FAA making the guidance mandatory, and that they now inspect seat installations before aircraft leave the factory.