EASA follows FAA on 737-9; No impact on EU

Monday, January 8, 2024

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has embraced an Emergency Airworthiness Directive (EAD) issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) pertaining to a specific setup of the Boeing 737-9 (MAX). This directive mandates the grounding of aircraft with this particular configuration until a thorough inspection is conducted. This action was prompted by an incident on an Alaska Airlines flight, where an exit panel detached during flight, causing sudden cabin decompression.

Despite the absence of any airline operating an aircraft with the specified configuration in EASA Member States, EASA opted to adopt the FAA directive. The configuration subject to the EAD involves substituting a mid-cabin exit with a plug-in panel. This setup is commonly used by airlines conducting lower-density operations that do not necessitate this additional exit to meet safety evacuation requirements.

As the 737-9 aircraft operating in Europe do not employ this configuration, they are not affected by the EAD and can continue normal operations without being grounded.

EASA remains in communication with the FAA regarding this matter and will closely monitor the investigation into the incident involving Alaska Airlines.

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