The FAA has proposed an airworthiness directive after finding that about 31,000 seats on Boeing 737 MAX aircraft may be improperly installed and could "disengage" from their tracks during severe turbulence. The order affects 1,028 jets worldwide and 453 U.S.-based 737-8/9/8200 jets, with up to 69 seats per affected U.S. jet potentially requiring reassembly. Inspections are estimated at roughly $85 per seat (aggregate figure cited as $2,656,845). Boeing says it issued guidance in December and now performs factory checks on new aircraft.
FAA Warns 31,000 Boeing 737 MAX Seats Could 'Disengage' in Severe Turbulence — Inspections Ordered
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The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has proposed an airworthiness directive after identifying a widespread seat-installation issue affecting Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. According to the FAA, as many as 31,000 seats across the 737 MAX family may have been fitted incorrectly and could "disengage" from their tracks during severe turbulence or in emergency conditions, creating a direct safety risk for passengers and crew.
What the FAA Is Requiring
The proposed directive targets 1,028 737 MAX airplanes worldwide and covers 453 U.S.-based jets (737-8, 737-9 and 737-8200). The agency estimates up to 69 seats on each affected U.S. jet could require reassembly. Regulators say loose or improperly installed seats can impede evacuation and increase the risk of injury during extreme events.
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Estimated Costs and Scope
The FAA put the inspection cost at roughly $85 per seat assembly, including labor, and provided an aggregate figure of $2,656,845 for the work referenced in its directive. U.S. carriers with the largest number of affected 737 MAX jets are United Airlines (about 284) and Southwest Airlines (over 260), according to industry data cited by Forbes.
Boeing's Response
A Boeing spokesperson told The Seattle Times the company provided guidance to operators in December and supports the FAA making that guidance mandatory. Boeing also said it has added factory checks so new 737s are inspected for correct seat installation before leaving the production line.
Why It Matters
Seats that can disengage from their tracks present a clear hazard: unsecured seats can move unpredictably during severe turbulence or a crash and may block aisles or exits during an evacuation. The directive is intended to ensure quick inspections and repairs to restore passenger safety and confidence.
Next steps: Operators must inspect affected seat assemblies and reassemble or repair any that are improperly installed. The FAA will finalize the directive following its standard notice and comment process.
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