FAA Orders Inspections for 453 Boeing 737 MAX Jets

The Federal Aviation Administration issued a proposed airworthiness directive on July 27, 2026, requiring inspections of 453 US-registered Boeing 737 MAX jets. The agency identified a risk where passenger seat assemblies were incorrectly installed in seat tracks, specifically noting that aft fitting shear plungers may not have been lowered correctly. This defect could cause seats to disengage during turbulence or emergency landings, potentially injuring passengers and crew or blocking aisles during evacuations.

Each aircraft may have up to 69 affected seats. The FAA estimates that inspections will take approximately one hour and cost $85 per assembly. The Boeing Company previously issued guidance regarding this installation issue in December 2025 and stated it supports the move to make that guidance mandatory.

This directive arrives amid sustained scrutiny of Boeing's production quality, which was highlighted by a 2024 Alaska Airlines door plug failure. Under the leadership of CEO Kelly Ortberg, the company is currently working to improve production quality and increase output.