Southwest Airlines Grounds 44 Planes

Southwest Airlines said it has grounded 44 of its Boeing jets to inspect for possible structural damage.

The airline’s decision comes as it faces regulatory and congressional investigations into its decision last year to keep flying 46 jets that required safety inspections for fuselage damage. The FAA has proposed a record $10.2 million fine for those violations.

The Dallas-based carrier said it found fuselage cracks on a small percentage of the Boeing 737 planes, but an exact number wasn't available. Altogether the airline reinspected 44 aircraft, including six already out of service, equaling about 8% of its total fleet of 520 aircraft.

The Dallas-based carrier said it found fuselage cracks on a small
percentage of the Boeing 737 planes, but an exact number wasn't
available. Altogether the airline reinspected 44 aircraft, including
six already out of service, equaling about 8% of its total fleet of 520
aircraft.