Southwest Asks FAA for More Time to Inspect AirTran’s 717 Fleet
Airplane manufacturer Boeing and Southwest Airlines say they need more time to inspect and possibly repair cracks in certain aircraft, many of which fly out of Atlanta.
The aircraft in question are Boeing 717’s. AirTran, now owned by Southwest, relies heavily on that model.
Boeing has found cracks in at least two 717’s, although it’s not identifying which airlines the planes belong to.
AirTran and Hawaiian Airlines are the only US-based carriers operating 717’s.
Because of the possibility of cracks in the 717’s airframe, the Federal Aviation Administration earlier this summer proposed requiring inspections of all planes within 90 days.
But AirTran parent company Southwest Airlines has asked for more time. Southwest says it needs the additional time for Boeing to provide replacement kits.
It’s unclear what effect, if any, the inspections will have on Southwest’s agreement to lease AirTran’s 717’s to Delta Air Lines. Southwest only flies 737’s.
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