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Planegate Continues as Southwest Grounds 38 Planes

March 12, 2008 at 1:53 PM | by | Comments (4)

Early this week Southwest Airlines went on a PR offensive to assure everyone that the carrier's 737s were--and are--safe. But since CEO Gary Kelly made the media rounds, Southwest has grounded 42 38 planes and place three employees on leave in connection with safety oversights.

Meanwhile, the FAA is looking to nail the carrier with a $10.2 million fine because Southwest didn't comply with so-called airworthiness directives. Two FAA employees that claim to have documents proving the airline messed up have been subpoenaed by the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.

Committee chair (and Jaunted frienemy) Rep. James Oberstar has vowed to get to the bottom of this. He's scheduled a hearing for April 3.

Btw, 42 38 planes is almost 10 percent of the Southwest fleet. Better reconfirm those reservations!

Related Stories:
· Southwest Grounds Dozens of Jets After Safety Probe [DMN]
· Southwest Puts Three on Leave [CNN]
· Southwest Responds to Preliminary Findings [Official Site]
· CNN Says Southwest Flew Unsafe Planes [Jaunted]

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Return to » Planegate Continues as Southwest Grounds 38 Planes


CNN

is now saying the number is 44.  For those of us who are Southwest Rapid Rewards members, taking most of our flights between Southwest hubs, this is becoming awfully disconcerting.  Thanks for the updates.
rdmcgeorge on March 12, 2008 at 2:59 PM #Permalink

Yikes!

i literally just hung up the phone after making a plane reservation when i read this. Please keep us updated!
CaroPhila on March 12, 2008 at 3:16 PM #Permalink

NYT says 38 planes

so who knows? i am supposed to book SW to Vegas and Denver soon. will report back on any disturbances.
juliana on March 12, 2008 at 4:34 PM #Permalink

The Latest from Southwest

Here's what the airline says:
A total of 44 aircraft were affected-one was already retired, five were in maintenance for scheduled checks, and the remaining 38 were removed from scheduled service.
pbb on March 12, 2008 at 5:18 PM #Permalink

Return to » Planegate Continues as Southwest Grounds 38 Planes

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