Spirit AeroSystems declined to comment on 'Made in Malaysia' door plug in Alaska Airlines incident

 

Spirit AeroSystems, the manufacturer of the door plug for the Alaska Airlines Flight 1282, which bore the ‘Made in Malaysia’ inscription, has chosen not to provide any comments on the issue. FILE PIC

KUALA LUMPUR: Spirit AeroSystems, the manufacturer of the door plug for the Alaska Airlines Flight 1282, which bore the 'Made in Malaysia' inscription, has chosen not to provide any comments on the issue.

In an email correspondence with the New Straits Times, the company's spokesperson declined to comment beyond the two statements it issued this week regarding the incident which involved the airliner.

"We are now not commenting beyond the two statements we issued this week about the incident and the National Transportation Safety Board investigation," it said.

The first statement, which they had issued on Jan 8 said the company's primary focus is the quality and product integrity of the aircraft structures they deliver.

"Spirit is a committed partner with Boeing on the 737 programme, and we continue to work together with them on this matter.

"Spirit is following the protocols set by the regulatory authorities that guide communication in these types of circumstances and we will share further information when appropriate."

In its second statement, the company said it has been working closely with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigation team.

The New Straits Times has since contacted the NTSB for comments regarding the inscription.

Earlier today, Transport minister Anthony Loke said no information had been received about a "Made in Malaysia" door plug.

"(As such) I cannot comment on that. First, it is not under our jurisdiction, so I cannot comment in general.

"Also, we do not know if it is true or not. We are only following the media reports as an observer now.

"If there is any official report from the airline, we will ask the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) to look into the issue."

On Jan 5, a Boeing 737 MAX 9 door plug was reported to have been torn off from Alaska Airlines flight 1282 at an altitude of approximately 16,000 feet (4,877 metres).

A report by the Oregon Public Broadcasting (OPB) news portal alleged that the serial number and additional manufacturing details of the door plug seemed to be handwritten with a permanent marker.

This included the words 'Made in Malaysia'. - NST