FAA Orders Seat Inspections on Thousands of Boeing 737 MAX Jets

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a proposed airworthiness directive to address a safety issue on Boeing 737 MAX planes.

The problem affects 453 U.S.-based jets, with up to 69 seats per plane potentially requiring reassembly due to improper installation.

Airlines such as United Airlines and Southwest Airlines have the highest number of impacted aircraft in their fleets, according to industry data.

The FAA estimates that inspections and repairs will cost airlines $2.7 million, with each seat assembly costing around $85 to inspect, including labor.