Originally Posted by
dkc192
COPA has two different plug door types on its MAX 9s, which explains why some are flying and some aren't. The differences in plug door types do not correspond to the two different seatmaps inside the planes.
The first type looks more like an exit door from the exterior and is fitted on the first eight MAX 9s to be delivered. For now, these eight planes are not subject to inspection and are thus still actively flying.
The second type is the one that blew out on the AS plane. It looks like a window from the exterior and is fitted on the 21 later-delivery MAX 9s. These planes are currently grounded with an unknown return-to-service date.
Look up images of frames
HP-9901CMP through HP-9908CMP, versus frames
HP-9909CMP onwards, to see the difference for yourselves.
Thank you for this explanation, it's clear and it makes sense. The photo of
HP-9908CMP shows the difference (in exterior appearance) clearly: with a small round "porthole" placed slightly higher, rather than a single rectangular window whose appearance matches other windows. This is the first I've heard/seen of this variant, and explains why
some of COPA's MAX9s are still flying while most sit on the ground waiting for inspections.
Is there a designation for the two different aircraft types? It would be helpful to know how to distinguish/describe them without resorting to photos (I like photos, but it's awkward to not have a verbal/textual way to disambiguate them). Obviously, the distinction is kind of important right now.
Are there any other airlines operating in the US (Alaska, United, etc.) that have the "other" door-plug-type (still flying) MAX9?