FAA PROPOSES $12 MILLION FINE AGAINST SOUTHWEST AIRLINES
August 7, 2014
On July 28th, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) proposed to fine Southwest Airlines $12 million for continuing to operate certain aircraft after being told that repairs to the aircraft did not comply with U.S. regulations. This is one of the largest fines in FAA history.
The FAA alleges that beginning in 2006, Southwest conducted significant alterations to the aluminum skin of 44 of its aircraft. In the course of its investigation, FAA determined that the subcontractor used to perform the work did not follow required procedures when making the alterations. The FAA further alleges that Southwest returned the jetliners to service and operated them when they were not in compliance with Federal Aviation Regulations. In response to these allegations, the FAA has proposed to fine Southwest $12 million. Southwest has 30 days to respond to the proposed fine.