FAA flags incorrectly installed seats on hundreds of Boeing 737 MAX jets

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced on Monday that seats on hundreds of Boeing 737 MAX aircraft registered in the United States were installed incorrectly. The agency stated that these improperly fitted seats pose a risk of passenger and crew injury during emergency landings and could obstruct aisles, potentially slowing down evacuation procedures.

The FAA's proposed airworthiness directive targets 453 jets registered within the U.S. While the FAA's jurisdiction is limited to U.S. airlines, foreign regulatory bodies often adopt FAA directives when applicable. This issue comes as Boeing is under pressure to enhance its production quality and increase output, a focus intensified after a door-plug panel detached from an Alaska Air 737 MAX in early 2024.

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This condition, if not addressed, could result in injury to passengers and crew during an emergency landing or could block the aisle, which could slow evacuation

According to the FAA's directive proposal, reports indicated that some passenger seat assemblies were not correctly secured in the seat tracks. This could lead to the assemblies disengaging during periods of increased load, turbulence, or emergency landings. The agency noted that each 737 MAX plane could have up to 69 track-mounted passenger seat assemblies affected by this issue. The repair is estimated to take one work hour per assembly and requires no replacement parts.

A Boeing spokesperson confirmed that the manufacturer had provided guidance to operators regarding the problem in December 2025. "We support the FAA making that guidance mandatory," the spokesperson stated in an email, indicating Boeing's agreement with the FAA's move to enforce the necessary corrections.

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We support the FAA making that guidance mandatory