Alaska Airlines has canceled all flights on Boeing 737-8 MAX aircraft through January 13 after a mid-air blowout forced an emergency landing in Portland as startled passengers clutched oxygen masks with a gaping hole in the plane.
In an online update Wednesday, Alaska Airlines said it continues to wait for documentation from Boeing and the FAA to begin inspection of the airlines's 737-9 MAX fleet.
"We regret the significant disruption that has been caused for our guests by cancellations due to these aircraft being out of service. However, the safety of our employees and guests is our highest priority and we will only return these aircraft to service when all findings have been fully resolved and meet all FAA and Alaska’s stringent standards," the update shared online said.
Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 had been bound for Ontario, California and suffered depressurization soon after departing, in Portland, Oregon. (Reuters / Reuters Photos)
"As of this morning, we have made the decision to cancel all flights on 737-9 MAX aircraft through Saturday, Jan. 13 while we conduct inspections and prepare fully for return to service," Alaska Airlines continued. "This equates to between 110-150 flights per day. We hope this action provides guests with a little more certainty, and we are working around the clock to reaccommodate impacted guests on other flights."