In late July, the Federal Aviation Administration proposed an airworthiness directive for 453 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, saying that improperly installed passenger seat assemblies may disengage from seat tracks.
“Aft fitting shear plungers were not correctly lowered and not engaged in the seat tracks,” according to the FAA. The improper assembly risks seat disengagement during turbulence or emergency landings. Each affected MAX 8, 9, and 8200 jet may contain up to 69 impacted assemblies.
Inspections cost approximately $85 per unit and could total up to $2,656,845 for U.S. operators. Boeing issued guidance to operators and stated, “We support the FAA making that guidance mandatory,” while indicating some costs may be covered under warranty.
The FAA has asked to receive comments on the directive by September 10, 2026. CEO Kelly Ortberg is making efforts to improve Boeing’s production quality and boost output, Boeing says.