US aviation authority to inspect 453 Boeing planes over seat installation flaw

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has ordered inspections of 453 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, citing concerns over potentially improperly secured passenger seats. The FAA's proposed airworthiness directive indicates that some seats may not have been fastened correctly to the cabin floor. This issue poses a significant safety risk, as the FAA warns that unsecured seats could cause injuries to passengers and crew during emergency landings. Furthermore, they could block aisles, hindering evacuation efforts. The FAA estimates that the inspections will cost approximately $2.7 million, with further expenses anticipated if seats require reinstallation. While the directive specifically addresses aircraft registered in the U.S., international airlines typically follow FAA guidelines, suggesting a broader potential impact. The move highlights ongoing scrutiny of Boeing's manufacturing processes following previous safety concerns with the 737 MAX model.

“

If the defect is not rectified, it could cause injuries to passengers and crew during an emergency landing or obstruct the aisle and thus delay an evacuation.