FAA orders checks on seat installations in 453 Boeing 737 MAX jets
Why it matters: Misinstalled seat assemblies could come loose in turbulence or an emergency landing and block evacuation aisles.
The Federal Aviation Administration moved to require inspections of passenger seats on 453 Boeing 737 MAX jets registered in the United States after receiving a report that some assemblies were not properly attached to cabin seat tracks. The agency said the seats could disengage under higher loads, during turbulence or in an emergency landing, potentially injuring passengers and crew or obstructing the aisle during an evacuation. The proposed airworthiness directive covers as many as 69 track-mounted seat assemblies per plane. The FAA estimated each assembly would take about one work-hour to inspect and correct, with no replacement parts needed. Boeing said it sent operators guidance on the issue in December 2025 and supports making that guidance mandatory.