Federal regulators have proposed a $500,000 fine against Alaska Airlines for flying a jet without required emergency lighting for two months, and then flying it for two more weeks with the wrong replacement part.
The safety violations, first disclosed in a Federal Aviation Administration news release Thursday, are the latest problems at Alaska involving work by outside contractors.
Two Alaska jets were damaged in recent weeks after missteps by employees of Menzies Aviation, which Alaska hired in May to handle its ground operations at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.
An Alaska spokeswoman noted that the FAA's assessment is not final, and said company officials will meet with the agency Jan. 18 to discuss the proposed penalty.
"Alaska Airlines and the FAA continue to be engaged in legal discussions on this matter," said Amanda Tobin.
A $500,000 fine would be the second-largest levied against the airline since 1998.
Seattle Times
The safety violations, first disclosed in a Federal Aviation Administration news release Thursday, are the latest problems at Alaska involving work by outside contractors.
Two Alaska jets were damaged in recent weeks after missteps by employees of Menzies Aviation, which Alaska hired in May to handle its ground operations at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.
An Alaska spokeswoman noted that the FAA's assessment is not final, and said company officials will meet with the agency Jan. 18 to discuss the proposed penalty.
"Alaska Airlines and the FAA continue to be engaged in legal discussions on this matter," said Amanda Tobin.
A $500,000 fine would be the second-largest levied against the airline since 1998.
Seattle Times
