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President Trumpissued an “emergency order”on Wednesday that the Federal Aviation Administration would ground all Boeing MAX planes in the U.S. following a second deadly crash on Sunday. Here’s what to know about the controversial aircraft, which airlines are using it, and what to do if you’re booked on one.
According to Trump’s announcement, all of Boeing’s new MAX planes (not just the MAX 8) will be grounded effective immediately and until further notice.
Several North American carriers including Southwest, American, United, Air Canada, and WestJet fly the controversial plane. According to theFederal Aviation Administration, there are currently 74 MAX 8 and MAX 9 planes in operation in the States.
David Paul Morris/Bloomberg via Getty
On Monday, Southwest, American and WestJet (all of whom fly the MAX 8) issued statements to PEOPLE expressing their confidence in the safety of their fleet, noting that they were monitoring the investigation in Ethiopia and would heed any advice from the FAA, should the regulating body issue a ban on the plane. Air Canada did not reply to PEOPLE’s request for comment.
The FAA has not yet issued their statement, but if Trump’s announcement is accurate, the ban will likely have a big impact on travelers.
Those traveling on United Airlines, which does not fly the MAX 8, but does have 24 the MAX 9 planes in its fleet, will now also be affected.
Delta does not fly any 737 MAX planes.
If you’re planning to fly in the near future, make note that most major airlines allow customers to see what aircraft model they are scheduled to travel on. Here’s how to check when booking a flight, or for flights that have already been booked, on the airlines that fly the MAX 8:
Southwest.com
On American’s site, this information is displayed under the flight times on every search results page.
aa.com
Those booked on a 737 MAX plane should contact their airline for rebooking information.
A spokesperson for United, whose MAX planes account for about 40 flights per day, tells PEOPLE, the airline has “been working diligently on contingency plans to prepare our fleet to minimize the impact to customers” since Sunday. They plan to use spare aircrafts as well as rebook customers and “do not anticipate a significant operational impact as a result of this order,” the spokesperson said, adding, “We will continue to work with our customers to help minimize any disruption to their travel.”
American Airlines had a similar message, telling PEOPLE on Wednesday that they are working with the FAA and other organizations and, “Our teams will make every effort to rebook customers as quickly as possible.”
Southwest did not immediately reply to a request for comment about accommodating customers.
Str/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock
A spokesperson for Boeing told theWashington Postvia email on Monday, “The investigation is in its early stages, but at this point, based on the information available, we do not have any basis to issue new guidance to operators.”
“Boeing is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of the passengers and crew on Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302, a 737 MAX 8 airplane,” Boeing said in astatementon Sunday. “We extend our heartfelt sympathies to the families and loved ones of the passengers and crew on board and stand ready to support the Ethiopian Airlines team. A Boeing technical team will be traveling to the crash site to provide technical assistance under the direction of the Ethiopia Accident Investigation Bureau and U.S. National Transportation Safety Board.”
Investigations in both crashes are ongoing.
source: people.com
