Southwest Airlines Gets FAA Extension

By Bill Zeeble, KERA News

Dallas, TX –

Southwest airlines reached a last minute agreement with the FAA to replace some plane parts by late December instead of immediately. KERA's Bill Zeeble explains.

Southwest says the parts weren't unsafe, but the manufacturer failed to get written FAA approval for them, so they must be replaced regardless of quality.

The carrier has taken care of 43 planes so far. Now it has until Christmas Eve to take care of the remaining 39. That's the agreement worked out with the FAA, which agrees the existing parts - which help deflect engine exhaust - meet requirement of Boeing, which makes these particular 737s.

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