Boeing has paid Alaska Airlines about $160 million as a “down payment” for “economic damages” caused by a mid-air door explosion at 16,000 feet earlier this year.
Alaska Airlines, which was operating Boeing aircraft at the time the plane was blown away, stated in regulatory filings. It lost “approximately $160 million” in pre-tax profit in the first quarter, “consisting primarily of lost revenue, costs from irregular operations, and costs to return our fleet to operational service. ” he said. Fox first reported.
The Securities and Exchange Commission filing added that the $160 million in cash is “equivalent” to what the airline lost in the “horrific” incident on January 5.
However, the documents say Boeing is “expected” to provide “additional compensation” in the future, but it remains unclear whether or how much additional money the aircraft maker will deliver. It was not immediately clear what.
Asked for comment, a Boeing spokesperson pointed to comments by Chief Financial Officer Brian West at the Bank of America Industrial Conference on March 20, stating that the company “We recognize that we need to improve safety,” he said. and quality and suitability. ”
Representatives for Alaska Airlines did not immediately respond to The Post’s request for comment.
Meanwhile, Boeing has issued a full-scale safety emergency after Flight 1282 exploded just minutes after takeoff from Portland, Oregon, after a massive cabin panel explosion depressurized the cabin and left a gaping hole in the plane. and dealing with a reputational crisis. They suck out one passenger’s cell phone and another teenage traveler’s shirt.
Boeing currently faces a May 28 deadline from the Federal Aviation Administration to develop a “comprehensive action plan to address systemic quality control issues.”
Federal regulators have also already delayed certification of the MAX 10 model, the largest of Boeing’s 737 MAX aircraft family, and the aircraft maker is slowing production of its best-selling 737 MAX narrowbody after a Jan. 5 door change. Expansion is prohibited. blow out.
Delivery delays are having a ripple effect on the airline industry, with United Airlines asking its pilots to take voluntary unpaid leave next month.
Because of the expected aircraft shortage, United Airlines said in a statement to the Post that “projected block hours for 2024 have been shortened and pilots have been given voluntary training during the month of May to reduce overstaffing.” We offer a variety of programs.”
Block hours, the industry’s primary measure of aircraft usage, include the time from the moment the aircraft door closes on departure for a particular flight to the moment the aircraft door reopens on arrival.
The voluntary pilot leave program could be extended into the summer and fall.
It was not immediately clear what incentives United Airlines is giving its pilots to take a month off from work.
A United spokesperson told the Post on Tuesday: “We have no further details to share at this time.”
After news of Boeing’s delays first broke in February, United Airlines Chief Financial Officer Mike Leskinen said the airline was “very disappointed.” Boeing, especially over delays in the delivery of its new MAX 10 aircraft, dealt a major blow to the Chicago-based airline’s growth forecasts.
The CFO added that the delay cast doubt on the company’s ability to expand its domestic shipping capacity by almost 30% by 2026 under its United Next plan.
United Airlines was expecting upgraded aircraft, including 277 MAX 10 jets.
As the company waits for those planes, it lowered its 2024 forecast for MAX 8 deliveries from Boeing to 37 from 43 and said it expects to deliver 15 fewer MAX 9s this year.
