Last January, a harrowing incident involving a door plug detachment during Flight 1282 from Portland to Ontario shook the aviation industry. This event led to significant changes within Alaska Airlines and its partnership with Boeing.
In response to the incident, Alaska’s quality and audit team conducted an extensive review of Boeing’s production quality and control systems. The airline also enhanced its own quality oversight by adding experienced members to validate work and quality on the Boeing 737 production line.
One year later, Alaska Airlines’ Vice President of Audit, Brooke Vatheuer, shares updates on what has been learned and the progress made in improving safety and compliance at Boeing and its suppliers. Key developments include:
* Enhanced oversight of Boeing’s production quality and control systems through direct observation of the factory floor
* Augmented team presence at Boeing’s Renton factory with additional M&E employees and Aircraft Acquisition Representatives
* Improved Mechanic Training Program with extended training periods and increased hands-on opportunities
* Adoption of a SMS risk assessment framework to manage tasks effectively
To continue ensuring safety, Alaska Airlines plans to visit Boeing in 2025 to monitor progress and observe cultural improvements firsthand. The airline remains committed to its core value of safety, emphasizing the importance of ongoing efforts to improve operations across all areas.
Brooke Vatheuer concludes by expressing gratitude for employees’ dedication to safety and their commitment to maintaining reliable operations.
Source: https://news.alaskaair.com/company/flight-1282-one-year-later