Alaska Airlines Returns First 737-9 MAX Planes to Service as Final Inspections Continue
Alaska Airlines says each of its 737-9 MAX planes will return to service only after rigorous inspections are completed and each plane is deemed airworthy according to federal aviation requirements.
Ingrid Barrentine | Alaska Airlines
Alaska Airlines has completed final inspections on its first group of 737-9 MAX aircraft as the company moves forward to return the fleet to commercial service. Airline officials say they will resume flying the 737-9 MAX with Flight 1146 from Seattle to San Diego on Friday, January 26.
On January 24, the Federal Aviation Administration approved the company’s detailed inspection and maintenance process for the 737-9 MAX to return to flying. Alaska Airlines technicians began inspections that night. Airline officials say they expect inspections on its 737-9 MAX to be completed by the end of next week, allowing Alaska Airlines to resume its full flight schedule.
Kudos to a Strong Team
Each of its 737-9 MAX will return to service only after rigorous inspections are completed and each plane is deemed airworthy according to Federal Aviation Administration requirements. Individual inspections are expected to take up to twelve hours per aircraft.
Current Issue
August 2026
Alaska Airlines officials say they are grateful to the company’s skilled maintenance and engineering team that is shouldering the inspection work and safely returning the planes to service. Company officials also expressed gratitude to all Alaska Airlines employees who continue to help support its guests.
Alaska Airlines says it is returning its 737-9 MAX planes to service after each is subjected to a roughly twelve-hour inspection.
Ingrid Barrentine | Alaska Airlines
