Southwest to be fined $12 million by FAA over maintenance irregularities

The US FAA is proposing a $12 million civil fine against Southwest Airlines for failing to comply with safety regulations related to repairs on its fleet of B737s. It is the second-largest fine the agency has levied against an airline. The FAA stated that during 2006, Southwest made efforts to eliminate potential cracking of the aluminium skin on up to 44 aircraft. An FAA investigation determined that Southwest’s contractor, Aviation Technical Services of Everett, Washington, failed to follow the correct procedures for the repairs, even under Southwest’s direct supervision. Southwest returned the aircraft to service in 2009, after which the