Three passengers have filed a lawsuit against Boeing and Alaska Airlines for $1 billion in damages after a door panel flew off during their flight.
the suit, Announced on February 23Boeing and Alaska Airlines were charged with negligence for allegedly ignoring warning signs that could have prevented the Jan. 5 accident, which forced the plane's pilots to make an emergency landing.
“This experiment endangered the lives of 174 passengers and six crew members on board,” a statement announcing the lawsuit said. “For these reasons, the lawsuit seeks significant punitive damages…for an accident that could have been prevented.”
The lawsuit also seeks damages on behalf of other passengers who may have flown on the Boeing 737 MAX 9, which was later grounded by the Federal Aviation Administration in the wake of the incident.
The lawsuit is unrelated Another class action lawsuit It was introduced in January in the immediate aftermath of the incident.
Alaska and United Airlines' Boeing 737 MAX 9 aircraft have resumed regular service. However, both companies have indicated that they are reconsidering whether to place additional orders with Boeing for additional MAX aircraft, including the successor line, the MAX 10.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board continue to investigate Boeing regarding the January explosion.
Boeing declined to comment. Alaska said it does not comment on pending litigation or the ongoing NTSB investigation.
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