Boeing Max 9 jets are set to return to the skies today after successfully passing inspections. These planes had been grounded following an incident nearly three weeks ago when a door plug blew out mid-flight. Passengers are expressing mixed reviews about their confidence in boarding these planes.
In terms of passenger sentiments, there appear to be two distinct groups. The first includes those who have never really paid attention to the type of aircraft they are flying on before, but are now becoming more aware. The second group consists of individuals who have minimal knowledge about the incident that occurred on January 5th. Their lack of awareness might result in better publicity for the companies involved.
Some passengers have expressed their concerns about flying on the Max 9 jets, citing anxiety about the incident and fear of similar occurrences. One passenger shared, 'I'm not necessarily scared of flying, but I am scared of doors flying off airplanes. Now that I'm going on a plane, it's a little nerve-wracking.' It is evident that the recent incident has caused apprehension among some flyers.
In response to these concerns, Boeing CEO David Calhoun has engaged in damage control efforts on Capitol Hill, meeting with lawmakers to emphasize transparency and responsibility. Alaska Airlines has announced that the first Max 9 flight will take off in approximately three hours, flying from Seattle to San Diego. United Airlines is also planning to resume Max 9 flights this weekend. These two airlines, Alaska and United, operate 70% of all Max 9 jets worldwide.
Recognizing the unease of passengers, both Alaska and United have implemented flight waiver programs to accommodate those who feel anxious about upcoming travel involving the Max 9 aircraft. These waivers provide passengers with flexibility and options for rescheduling or changing their flights.
It is important to note that the inspections required for each aircraft take approximately 12 hours. Considering the incident involved a malfunctioning door plug, it is crucial to thoroughly examine and ensure the integrity of the doors on all Max 9 jets. This incident involved two door plugs falling off mid-flight, further emphasizing the need for meticulous inspections.
Boeing's efforts to address the issues and regain confidence in their aircraft are significant, given the prominence of the Max 9 models in the fleets of Alaska and United Airlines. The successful completion of inspections provides hope for the safe and reliable operation of these planes as they return to service.
Passengers remain cautious, with apprehension surrounding the safety of the Max 9 aircraft. Nonetheless, rigorous inspections and the implementation of flight waiver programs aim to alleviate these concerns and restore trust in the aviation industry. Only time will tell if these efforts will be successful in assuaging passenger fears and ensuring the continued safe operation of the Boeing Max 9 jets.
