FAA proposes seat inspections for 453 US Boeing 737 jets

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration has proposed a mandatory safety inspection for 453 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft registered in the United States after receiving a report that some passenger seats may have been incorrectly installed. The directive, announced on Monday, July 27, 2026, targets potential flaws in the fittings that lock seats into the floor tracks.

According to the FAA, the issue involves aft-fitting shear plungers on certain track-mounted passenger seat assemblies that may not have been fully engaged during installation. If left uncorrected, the seats could detach or shift during severe turbulence or an emergency landing, posing a risk of injury to passengers and crew. A detached seat could also block an aisle and slow evacuation during an emergency.

The proposed inspections would require airlines to check whether the seats are correctly locked into their tracks and to reinstall any that are improperly secured. The FAA estimates each aircraft could have up to 69 affected seat assemblies, with each inspection taking about one hour of labor. The total cost for U.S. operators could reach approximately $2.66 million, though some expenses may be covered by...