International Air Transport Company announces grounded cargo planes!
Alaska Airlines and United Airlines have warned cargo customers that some cargo may be delayed due to the grounding of Boeing 737 Max 9 aircraft.
On January 6th, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued an Emergency Airworthiness Directive (EAD) requiring inspections of all 737 Max 9 aircraft. Previously, an Alaska Airlines aircraft experienced a pressurization accident during flight, which resulted in a hatch plug bursting.
This malfunction left a hole on the side of the plane, and although the pilot landed safely, the passengers only suffered minor injuries.
United Airlines and Alaska Airlines are the largest Max 9 operators, with United Airlines having 79 aircraft and Alaska Airlines having 65.
United Airlines Cargo Business stated, "United Airlines has suspended the service of MAX 9 aircraft for a thorough inspection." "We are actively inspecting the aircraft, which may lead to some flight cancellations or delays.".
Our customer service center is working directly with affected customers to find alternative transportation options.
"At the same time, we will continue to accept customers' goods at our freight facilities and look for alternative aircraft."
Alaska Air Cargo explained, "Our operations were affected by the grounded 737-9.".
"We are in the process of determining necessary cancellations, and expect the interruption to last at least until the middle of this week. For goods affected by flight cancellations, they will automatically be rebooked for the next flight."
Other operators of this aircraft type include Copa Airlines (29 aircraft), Air Mexico (19 aircraft), Türkiye Airlines (5 aircraft), SCAT Airlines (5 aircraft) and Icelandic Airlines (4 aircraft), Lion Airlines (3 aircraft) and Dubai Airlines (3 aircraft).
However, not all emergency exit doors of these planes are blocked. Aircraft with high-density seating configurations require additional emergency doors to operate.
At the time of the accident, the Alaska aircraft registered as N704AL was flying from Portland to Ontario, California.
The Federal Aviation Administration of the United States has stated that all 737-9 aircraft will continue to be grounded until operators complete enhanced inspections, including left and right cabin door exit plugs, door components, and fasteners.
The Federal Aviation Administration added, "Operators must also complete corrective action requirements based on inspection results before returning any aircraft to service."
FlightGlobal, a sister magazine of Air Cargo News, stated that the European Aviation Safety Agency has officially adopted the instructions of the Federal Aviation Administration of the United States, although it believes that operators in member states of the European Aviation Safety Agency will not be affected.