Airlines in India Undertake Safety Checks on Boeing 737 Max Aircraft Following Loose Bolt Alert
Amid concerns raised by the US’ Federation Aviation Administration (FAA) about a potential loose bolt issue in the rudder control system of Boeing 737 Max aircraft, Indian airlines operating this model have initiated precautionary inspections to ensure flight safety.
India’s aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), is actively monitoring the situation and has engaged with carriers such as Akasa, Air India Express, and SpiceJet, seeking compliance with the recommended checks.
The FAA, closely overseeing targeted inspections of Boeing 737 MAX planes, acknowledged that a specific loose bolt issue had been rectified. Boeing, in response, instructed airlines globally, including those in India, to conduct thorough inspections of their Boeing 737 Max fleet.
The DGCA clarified that ongoing concerns are not uncommon, citing previous instances where Boeing issued service bulletins to address issues promptly. The regulatory body is collaborating with its US counterpart and Boeing, emphasizing that the current checks align with routine safety protocols.
According to a statement from Akasa Air, Boeing notified them about the matter, and the airline pledged to adhere to recommended checks, ensuring their operational fleet remains unaffected. Air India Express and SpiceJet echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing their commitment to safety and compliance with global recommendations.
Despite the precautionary measures, all airlines affirm that the current alert will not disrupt their operations significantly. The airlines, responding to inquiries, stated that the inspection process takes no more than two hours per aircraft.
It’s worth noting that the Boeing 737 Max, known as the manufacturer’s fastest-selling plane, faced a global grounding in 2019 following fatal crashes in Indonesia and Jakarta, resulting in 356 casualties. The aircraft returned to service in early 2021 after comprehensive safety improvements were implemented.