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Alaska Airlines expands oversight amid ongoing production challenges

Alaska Airlines expands oversight amid ongoing production challenges
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Airbus A380 | Airbus

Alaska Airlines has announced that Boeing's production oversight efforts will now include the 787 Dreamliner line in Charleston. This development follows a year after an incident where a door plug detached from one of Alaska's Boeing 737 MAX 9 aircraft during take-off from Portland.

In response to quality concerns, Alaska Airlines has taken several measures over the past year. The airline's audit team frequently visited Spirit AeroSystems in Wichita and Boeing's Renton factory, working alongside the US civil aviation regulator to assess Boeing's production quality and control systems.

Currently, Alaska Airlines deploys three aircraft acquisition representatives (AARs) at Boeing facilities five days a week to conduct inspections. Additionally, three engineers are stationed at the Boeing delivery center for customer walks and flight duties. Brooke Vatheuer, Vice President of audit programs at Alaska Airlines, stated: "We are optimistic about Boeing's dedication and positive momentum in making significant improvements thus far."

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Looking forward to 2025, Alaska Airlines plans to extend its oversight to the 787 production line following its acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines in September 2024. The acquisition added Boeing 787 aircraft to Alaska Air Group’s fleet. Vatheuer added: "Additionally, we will extend our efforts to the 787 line in Charleston as we prepare for future deliveries."

Hawaiian Airlines currently operates two Boeing 787-9 widebodies with more deliveries expected through 2027. However, like many airlines with a Boeing 787 fleet, they face delays impacting their route networks.

British Airways recently announced cuts to its summer flights between London Heathrow Airport and Abu Dhabi due to delays related to Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engines fitted on their 787 aircraft. A British Airways spokesperson expressed disappointment over these changes caused by engine delivery delays.

The aviation industry continues grappling with supply chain issues exacerbated by increased air travel demand and geopolitical tensions affecting raw material supplies. A Rolls-Royce spokesperson commented on these challenges: "This is due to the current challenging industry-wide supply chain constraints."

American Airlines also confirmed adjustments to its long-haul international route network for spring 2025 due to similar issues.

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