Alaska Airlines has temporarily grounded its entire fleet of Boeing 737-9 aircraft. The decision came after one of the planes experienced a mid-air emergency on Friday (local time) when an exit door detached from the aircraft, leading to an urgent landing in Portland.
Soon after the incident, Alaska Airlines CEO Ben Minicucci expressed his concern for the passengers and crew affected by the incident in an official statement.
“Following tonight’s event on Flight 1282, we have decided to take the precautionary step of temporarily grounding our fleet of 65 Boeing 737-9 aircraft,” Minicucci said.
Each of the aircraft will be returned to service after full maintenance and safety inspections, he added.
“The National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration is investigating this event and we will fully support their investigation,” he assured.
Minicucci also apologised to the passengers of the plane, saying, “My heart goes out to those who were on this flight – I am so sorry for what you experienced. I am so grateful for the response of our pilots and flight attendants.”
The aircraft, carrying 174 passengers and six crew members, had just taken off and reached an altitude of 16,000 feet when an exit door, which is usually sealed on Alaska Airline planes, blew out and caused a rapid cabin depressurisation.
Despite the alarming situation, the pilots managed to return the plane safely to the airport. No serious injuries were reported among those on board.
