Alaska Airlines Inspects MD-80 Fleet With FAA To Ensure Technical Compliance With Directive

Alaska Airlines is conducting inspections with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) of its nine MD-80s to ensure precise and complete compliance with a Federal Aviation Administration airworthiness directive related to wire bundling in the aircraft’s wheel wells. The airline canceled three flights Tuesday night and 14 flights so far Wednesday in order to conduct the FAA inspections, which are focused on detailed, technical specifications and not safety-of-flight issues.

“We apologize for inconveniencing some of our customers during these inspections,” said Fred Mohr, Alaska Airlines’ vice president of maintenance and engineering. “Nothing is more important to us than safety, and we will continue to work with the FAA and The Boeing Co. to ensure we’re in complete compliance with all FAA directives.”

The MD-80s will return to service only after they have been inspected and are found to be in full compliance with all technical issues related to the airworthiness directive. Alaska Airlines is re-accommodating passengers on other flights flown by Alaska or other carriers at no additional charge. Customers are advised to check the status of their flight on alaskaair.com or by calling (800) ALASKAAIR.

Alaska Airlines has been working with Boeing and the FAA for two weeks on compliance with the airworthiness directive related to wire bundling. The carrier proactively inspected its aircraft March 26 when the issue first became known and found no safety issues.