Boeing is the world’s largest aerospace company, serving as the leading manufacturer of commercial jetliners. It has steadily competed with other manufacturers but has one consistent competitor, Airbus. Out of its models, the Boeing 777 is supposedly one of the most efficient commercial jetliners.
In the last few years, Boeing has faced some challenges. Their aircrafts have experienced technical and mechanical issues as a result of production problems. Some of these issues have created unsafe environments for plane passengers; in fact, there have been fatal incidents with Boeing planes. Thus, these incidents have rightfully created a sense of insecurity in travelers. The Boeing controversy has encouraged travelers to stay informed about the aircraft they board, so we’ve compiled the top information for travelers who want to know which American airlines use Boeing aircraft.
Impacts of Boeing Aircraft Issues
The commercial airplanes of Boeing have been considered top of the line. In fact, there are over 10,000 Boeing commercial aircrafts currently in service. So, not all Boeing aircrafts have issues. But there are some planes by Boeing that have a reputation for fatal crashes and technical issues. For example, the Boeing 737 Max has been the main model that has had safety issues. More recently, the Boeing 777 has made headlines due to mechanical issues and endangering passengers.
These problematic models commonly face ‘grounding’ as a result of their issues, which is exactly what it sounds like. When plane models are grounded by the FAA, manufacturers have to pull the in-service planes and resolve the issue across the board. In the example of the Boeing 737 Max (9) planes, the FAA has even grounded over 170 aircrafts for inspections. While the thorough and extensive inspections benefit travelers, there can be some setbacks. Grounding aircrafts can cause hundreds of flight cancellations.
So, What Major Airlines Use Boeing?
With Boeing issues and lawsuits up in the air, it is possible that more complications may ensue. These changes may end up impacting travelers. Whether that impact is due to rebooked flights from technical issues on the runway or plane models being grounded and therefore flights canceled. So, it is no surprise that travelers want to know more about their plane before booking their trip. Getting a heads up on the manufacturer of the plane may make some travelers more comfortable or even lead to them avoiding certain airlines or flights.
If travelers so choose, the easiest way to avoid Boeing planes or particular models is being selective with airlines. Travelers can do deep dives to find out if their preferred airline’s fleet has specific planes. Another option is checking the details of a booking on the airline’s website or check flight tracing websites. There are even websites for finding flights that do not use Boeing planes.
Some of the largest airlines in the United States have planes built by Boeing. While some airlines may issue flight waivers for particular flights if travelers are unhappy, most of the time it is possible to swap to a different flight. We took a look at some of the most popular airlines’ fleets, so travelers can assess the risk of flying with different operators.
Southwest
Southwest Airlines flies only Boeing planes. This choice has impacted them negatively since Boeing’s plane manufacturing has experienced public scrutiny. This scrutiny has come from both fatal and inconvenient incidents over the years, due to the plane’s quality. The struggles of the manufacturer has made the airline particularly susceptible to issues in the future.
Southwest even has a significant amount of Boeing 737 planes on its fleet. Travelers wanting to avoid Boeing planes in general can book flights with Airbus planes, since it is Boeing’s biggest competitor. The rising issues of Boeing have given its rival a leg up since Airbus has not had such high profile safety issues.
United
United Airlines’ Boeing fleet is substantial since the airline carries a range of Boeing aircrafts. In fact, United is the biggest operator of Boeing aircrafts in the world. So, with the public alarm regarding the safety of Boeing airlines United has been put in a difficult situation.
United has varying Boeing plane models. Those include Boeing 787, 777, 767, 757 and 737. United actually has the largest number of 737 MAX (9) models, so it is no surprise that the airline is attempting to transition to Airbus planes. This may aid the airline since it has had a significant number of Boeing incidents in such a short time.
Alaska
Alaska Air operates many Boeing aircrafts. While its fleet is composed of around 300 planes, more than 20% of its fleet is the Boeing 737 MAX (9). Alaska has a relatively young fleet, so this means that its Boeing planes should be in good shape. But one of Alaska’s planes had a panel blow out, so the airline has been impacted by Boeing’s issues.
American
American Airlines has a large fleet. But American’s fleet has a combination of Airbus and Boeing aircrafts. This fleet includes Boeing 737 MAX models. Despite the Boeing controversy, American has continued its loyalty to the plane manufacturer.
The only U.S. airlines that operate Boeing 737 Max (9’s) models are United Airlines, American Airlines, Southwest Airlines and Alaska Airlines.Travelers should stay informed with safety issues regarding plane manufacturers and their preferred airline’s fleet to avoid inconvenience or danger.