Alaska Airlines, Boeing Settle Lawsuit Over 737 Max Incident
Three passengers who filed a $1 billion lawsuit against Alaska Airlines and Boeing over a mid-air incident involving a Boeing 737-9 aircraft have reached an out-of-court settlement, according to Fox News. The lawsuit stemmed from a January 5, 2024 flight that suffered explosive decompression shortly after departing Portland International Airport en route to Ontario International Airport.
During the climb, the aircraft experienced an in-flight separation of the left mid-exit door (MED) plug, causing rapid cabin depressurization. One flight attendant and seven passengers sustained minor injuries. The lawsuit was officially dismissed with prejudice on July 7, preventing the plaintiffs from refiling the same claim in the future. Terms of the settlement were not disclosed.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigation revealed that four bolts meant to secure the MED plug were missing before the aircraft was delivered to Alaska Airlines, placing responsibility on Boeing for improper installation and oversight.
The incident prompted regulatory and public scrutiny over Boeing’s quality control processes, particularly concerning its 737 MAX 9 aircraft. In response, Boeing paid approximately $160 million in compensation to Alaska Air Group to offset losses from the grounding of its MAX 9 fleet following the incident.
This settlement marks a significant legal resolution for both Alaska Airlines and Boeing as they continue to address safety concerns and restore public trust in the 737 MAX series. The case also underscores the broader industry focus on manufacturing accountability and airline passenger safety.
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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com