The United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a directive requiring inspections of 453 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft registered in the US. This action follows findings that some passenger seat assemblies may have been incorrectly installed in the seat tracks.
An improperly mounted seat assembly could detach under conditions such as turbulence, emergency landings, or increased load. This poses risks of passenger and crew injury, as well as potential blockage of aisles, which could hinder evacuation efforts.
The Boeing 737 MAX, a narrow-body aircraft widely used for short to medium-haul flights, typically carries between 138 and 230 passengers depending on the variant. There are currently 823 of these jets in operation in the US and nearly 2,300 worldwide, according to aviation intelligence firm IBA.
While Boeing has not released an official statement regarding the FAA’s directive, a company spokesperson informed Reuters that guidance on the seat installation issue was provided to operators in December 2025. Boeing supports making this guidance mandatory.
Recently, Uganda Airlines signed a framework agreement with Boeing, including an order for four Boeing 737-8 MAX aircraft, marking a new commercial partnership between the carrier and the manufacturer.
