WASHINGTON, D.C.- The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has proposed a new Airworthiness Directive (AD) affecting certain Boeing 737-8, 737-9, and 737-8200 aircraft after reports of improperly installed passenger seat assemblies. The proposal applies to Boeing aircraft operated by airlines worldwide and is currently open for public comment.
The proposed directive impacts Boeing 737-8, 737-9, and 737-8200 aircraft, commonly operated by airlines such as Ryanair (FR), United Airlines (UA), and Alaska Airlines (AS). The FAA said the issue could create safety risks during turbulence or emergency landings if left uncorrected.
FAA Moves to Address Boeing 737 Seat Installation Issue
The FAA issued the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) after receiving reports that some track-mounted passenger seat assemblies were not correctly secured to the aircraft seat tracks.
According to the agency, the aft fitting shear plungers on affected seat assemblies were not fully lowered and engaged. As a result, the seat could become detached from the floor tracks if subjected to increased forces during severe turbulence or an emergency landing.
The FAA warned that a detached passenger seat could injure passengers and cabin crew. It could also obstruct the aircraft aisle, slowing passenger evacuation during an emergency. These risks prompted the regulator to propose mandatory inspections before the issue contributes to a more serious safety event.
Aircraft Models Covered by the Proposal
The proposed Airworthiness Directive applies to specific Boeing:
- 737-8
- 737-9
- 737-8200
The affected aircraft are identified in Boeing Special Attention Requirements Bulletin 737-25-1927 RB, dated December 10, 2025. Operators of aircraft listed in that bulletin would be required to comply if the proposal becomes final.
The FAA noted that the proposed directive would apply to 453 U.S.-registered aircraft, although the total worldwide fleet affected is significantly larger because these models are operated by numerous international airlines.
Required Inspection and Corrective Actions
If adopted, airlines would be required to conduct a detailed inspection of the left and right track-mounted passenger seat assemblies.
Inspectors would verify that every seat track fitting is properly installed. If an incorrectly installed seat assembly is identified, operators would be required to correctly reinstall the affected seat before returning the aircraft to service.
The FAA based the proposal on Boeing’s service instructions contained in Special Attention Requirements Bulletin 737-25-1927 RB.
Estimated Cost for Airlines
The FAA estimates the inspection will require approximately one labor hour per seat assembly at an estimated labor cost of $85.
Depending on cabin configuration, an aircraft could have as many as 69 track-mounted passenger seat assemblies, resulting in varying inspection costs between operators.
If improperly installed seats are discovered, reinstalling each affected seat is also estimated to require one labor hour at an additional cost of $85 per seat assembly, excluding any warranty coverage that Boeing may provide.
Public Comment Period Now Open
The FAA is accepting public comments on the proposed rule until September 10, 2026.
After reviewing stakeholder feedback, the agency may revise the proposal before issuing a final Airworthiness Directive.
The FAA emphasized that the proposal is intended to prevent passenger injuries and ensure cabin layouts remain clear for safe evacuations during emergency situations.
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