Southwest Airline faces $325,000 fine over modification error
The Federal Aviation Administration is proposing a $325,000 fine against Southwest Airlines, claiming it improperly modified equipment on a small jet that has since flown more than 1,000 flights.
The fine involved an anti-icing warning system on the windshield of a AirTran Airways Boeing 717 that was allegedly modified incorrectly in August 2011, according to the FAA.
Southwest Airlines purchased AirTran Airways in 2012 and is in the process of merging the two carriers.
Since then, the 717 plane has flown 1,140 flights, according with the FAA. The Boeing 717 is a twin-engine, single-aisle jet airliner with up to 138 seats, depending on the configuration.
Southwest has up to 30 days to respond to the proposed fine.
In a statement, the airline said the error did not jeopardize the safety of the plane and was fixed as soon as crews learned of the problem.
“Safety is the top priority at Southwest Airlines. We were aware of the proposed penalty and have been actively working with the FAA on a resolution,” the airline said.
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