19-1-2024 (JAKARTA) Three Boeing 737 Max 9 planes owned by Lion Air, Indonesia’s budget airline, have been cleared to resume operations after a temporary grounding. The decision comes in the wake of the Alaska Airlines incident earlier this month.
Adita Irawati, the spokesperson for the Transportation Ministry, informed local media on Thursday that inspections had been conducted on the three Boeing 737 Max 9 planes operated by Lion Air. It was discovered that these aircraft had distinct configurations from the Boeing 737 Max 9 plane involved in the in-flight blowout incident experienced by Alaska Airlines.
After thorough inspections and consultations with Lion Air and Boeing, it was determined that the door systems on Lion Air’s aircraft were different from those on the Alaska Airlines plane. As a result, the Transportation Ministry has granted permission for Lion Air’s planes to resume their operations.
“The door system is evidently dissimilar to that of Alaska Airlines. We have conducted inspections, engaged in communication with Lion Air and Boeing, and based on our findings, they are now permitted to fly again,” stated Adita Irawati, the spokesperson.
