Policy Backgrounders

Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 and Regulatory Response

January 18, 2024

Trusted Insights for What’s Ahead™

A major incident on Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 on January 5, in which a door plug blew off the aircraft shortly after takeoff, has led to significant changes in schedule for two major US airlines and highlighted the important role of industry cooperation with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in aircraft safety regulation. The FAA is rightly treating the incident with great seriousness; had it occurred at higher altitude, the consequences could have been far worse.

• The grounding of Boeing 737 Max 9 planes will almost certainly be longer and more extensive than had been earlier assumed.

• As more time has elapsed, FAA’s review of certain Boeing aircraft has expanded, which could result in further directives for inspections and repairs. Congress is also requesting information on FAA audits of Boeing and a lead contractor.
• While the incident will likely not fundamentally reform the unique public-private cooperation in regulation of aircraft safety, it could easily result in a shift towards greater government oversight, at least in the near term.