Alaska to Take First 737 MAX Delivery - First Flights in March 2021
#106
Join Date: Sep 2001
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Posts: 3,858
In the case of the Max, the FAA pulled the Airworthiness Certificate - which is the document that allows each airplane to fly, and in this case, the FAA pulled the entire type.
The only way a Max can get off the ground is with special FAA permission - so Alaska can't accept their planes and fly them to wherever to get wifi installed, winglets, etc. You'll see "Experimental" somewhere on the fuselage of test aircraft that have a special "Airworthiness Certificate" during all their tests.
his is why Boeing Field is a massive parking lot right now, Boeing is running out of space - and it requires a TREMENDOUS amount of paperwork just to fly a plane to another airport (even for storage). But I have a feeling that Boeing will have to start moving these planes to Paine or Moses Lake (anyone know of a nearby airport with room for 60+ planes?)
Once the AC's are restored, it may be a while before we get to see the planes upgraded to Alaska standards.
Friends that work for American and Copa have said the recent software fix is "good", but the pilots aren't satisfied. Airlines are pressuring Boeing and the FAA to roll it out, but the pilot groups are wanting more documentation and training on it (I think that's where the simulator comments are coming from, except the SIM manufacturer has to 'build' the scenario of an MCAS/runway trim situation).
The only way a Max can get off the ground is with special FAA permission - so Alaska can't accept their planes and fly them to wherever to get wifi installed, winglets, etc. You'll see "Experimental" somewhere on the fuselage of test aircraft that have a special "Airworthiness Certificate" during all their tests.
his is why Boeing Field is a massive parking lot right now, Boeing is running out of space - and it requires a TREMENDOUS amount of paperwork just to fly a plane to another airport (even for storage). But I have a feeling that Boeing will have to start moving these planes to Paine or Moses Lake (anyone know of a nearby airport with room for 60+ planes?)
Once the AC's are restored, it may be a while before we get to see the planes upgraded to Alaska standards.
Friends that work for American and Copa have said the recent software fix is "good", but the pilots aren't satisfied. Airlines are pressuring Boeing and the FAA to roll it out, but the pilot groups are wanting more documentation and training on it (I think that's where the simulator comments are coming from, except the SIM manufacturer has to 'build' the scenario of an MCAS/runway trim situation).
#107
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: US West Coast
Programs: Alaska 100K, Hyatt Gl, Marriott Ti/LTP
Posts: 353
his is why Boeing Field is a massive parking lot right now, Boeing is running out of space - and it requires a TREMENDOUS amount of paperwork just to fly a plane to another airport (even for storage). But I have a feeling that Boeing will have to start moving these planes to Paine or Moses Lake (anyone know of a nearby airport with room for 60+ planes?)
I don't know about MWH, but the last time I flew into PAE, there was pretty big line of MAXs keeping the KC-46s company.
#109
Join Date: Sep 2005
Programs: Northwest, United
Posts: 3,256
I dunno. I was at Boeing Field two days ago, and while there were still some 737s parked there, it looked like a lot of what was there a few weeks ago was gone. Either they've been ferried somewhere, or maybe they're adding stealth technology to them.
I'll be back there again in a few days and will take a closer look to see if I just missed them or if they're just stacking them up like cordwood and hiding them in the hangars...
I'll be back there again in a few days and will take a closer look to see if I just missed them or if they're just stacking them up like cordwood and hiding them in the hangars...
#110
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: PDX
Programs: AS MVP Gold 100K
Posts: 2,329
The fact that the other plane has the new UA livery makes me think that these just rolled off the line. I'm not sure how long they'll stick around or if they're still there.
#111
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: British Columbia
Programs: AS MVPG100K, Marriott Marriott Titanium Elite, Hilton Gold
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#112
Moderator: Alaska Mileage Plan
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 12,316
On November 18, 2020, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certified the Boeing 737 MAX, giving the approval to all airlines, including Alaska, to begin the process of bringing the aircraft back into service. Our first aircraft, a MAX 9 model, is currently scheduled for delivery in early 2021 and will begin passenger service in March 2021.
#113
Join Date: May 2013
Location: SEA
Programs: AS MVP Gold 100K
Posts: 2,030
Now can anyone figure you what is the first flight? I had booked the first flight before they were withdrawn and would like to try again.
My vote for a new non-stop route is SEA-AUA (Aruba), bye-bye American.
My vote for a new non-stop route is SEA-AUA (Aruba), bye-bye American.
Last edited by jsguyrus; Nov 18, 2020 at 2:38 pm
#114
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Alaska Airlines says it’s stressing safety as it prepares to acquire Boeing 737 Max planes
https://www.adn.com/alaska-news/avia...37-max-planes/
#115
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend, Moderator, Information Desk, Ambassador, Alaska Airlines
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I'm guessing the inaugural fight will start in SEA
Is there a way to request to be on a delivery flight? That would be a bucket list item.
#116
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delivery flight from BFI to SEA? maybe 12 minutes in the air
#118
Join Date: Aug 2020
Location: Seattle
Programs: 75K, HH Diamond
Posts: 93
lol literally JUST got back from Aruba a few weeks ago. It'd great to see AS get flights in there.
#119
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Seattle, WA
Posts: 5,956
The range is more than the -800 and -900 now but just marginally more. It's not going to open a lot more - and probably not the Caribbean. The 321Neo has better range.
#120
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