In the event of cabin depressurization, oxygen masks are supposed to drop from overhead compartments. However, Boeing has identified a flaw with the retention straps on some generators, prompting the FAA to issue an Airworthiness Directive.
The directive affects approximately 2,600 Boeing 737 Max and Next Generation models. Airlines have 120 to 150 days to complete the inspections and undertake any necessary corrective actions. The installation of potentially defective parts has been prohibited.
On June 17, Boeing alerted airline clients about a potential issue with the emergency oxygen supply. The company reported that under certain conditions, the restraining straps on the generators could shift by up to 1.9 centimeters, which could prevent them from functioning properly. This problem was attributed to a faulty adhesive introduced in 2019.
“We have gone back to the original adhesive for all new deliveries to ensure the generators remain firmly in place,” Boeing stated. The company also noted that inspections of undelivered airplanes have not identified any affected units.
While Boeing's memo called for visual inspections, the FAA's directive carries the force of law. Airlines must inspect each generator and replace any faulty straps. An average 737 has 61 oxygen generators, each with two straps, although configurations may vary by airline.
This announcement follows closely after Boeing was fined $243.6 million for failing to comply with its 2021 settlement with the US government. The settlement stemmed from a series of fatal 737 Max crashes, which led to the grounding of the entire fleet in 2019-2020. Boeing agreed to pay over $2.5 billion to avoid prosecution for misleading the FAA about autopilot flaws.
Boeing, the last remaining US manufacturer of large commercial aircraft, has agreed to invest at least $455 million over the next three years to enhance its safety and compliance programs. The company will also undergo a three-year probation under a special monitor appointed by the government.