Boeing 737 Seats May Malfunction in Turbulence, FAA Warns

Boeing is facing another controversy after the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) discovered that up to 69 seats on every one of the 453 US-based Boeing 737-8, 737-9, and 737-8200 jets could disengage from their tracks during emergency situations or severe turbulence.

The FAA estimates that around 31,000 seats may be affected by this issue, which poses a safety risk to passengers and crew alike. The agency has issued a proposed airworthiness directive, requiring airlines to inspect and address any affected seats.

According to the FAA, the inspections and repairs will cost airlines $2.7 million. Globally, the directive will include checking the seats on 1,028 Boeing airplanes.

A Boeing spokesperson stated that the company issued guidance to operators about the issue in December last year, but they support the FAA making the guidance mandatory. The company now inspects seat installations before aircraft leave the factory, so new 737s should not be affected by this issue.