Statement on Alaska Airlines Flight 1282
UPDATE: January 7, 2024; 11:30
The investigation into what happened on Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 on Friday, Jan. 5, is underway. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has now assumed the lead role in the investigation. Alaska’s safety and technical teams, along with representatives from Boeing, are closely involved in supporting the NTSB.
AFA-CWA is closely monitoring and working with the AFA Alaska and AFA United MEC, the affected airlines, the FAA, and the DOT to ensure that aircraft are not returned to service until they are deemed safe for all. AFA is also participating in the NTSB investigation and we support that process for full safety findings and actions. Alaska and United have grounded all MAX 9s pending further direction from the FAA.
Flight Attendants are aviation’s first responders — trained for emergencies, and we work every flight for aviation safety first and foremost. We fly only when it’s safe. AFA EAP is always available to offer support to any Flight Attendant in need at (800) 424-2406.
To receive all future updates, refer to the news article on TeamAAG.
UPDATE: January 6, 2024; 13:15
The Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA) President Sara Nelson released the following statement after the FAA temporary grounding of certain 737 MAX 9 fleet that do not meet the inspection cycles specified in the Emergency Airworthiness Directive (EAD):
“Our union supports the FAA’s quick and decisive action to ground certain 737 MAX 9 that do not meet the inspection cycles specified in the EAD. This is a critical move to ensure the safety of all crew and passengers, as well as confidence in aviation safety. Lives must come first always.
Last night’s incident could have been worse, but Flight Attendants and Pilots of Alaska 1282 ensured all passengers and crew arrived safely back on the ground. We commend the entire crew.
We are closely monitoring and working with our airlines – Alaska and United – the FAA, and DOT to ensure that aircraft are not returned to service until they are deemed safe for all. AFA is also participating in the NTSB investigation and we support that process for full safety findings and actions.
Flight Attendants are aviation’s first responders. We are trained for emergencies, and we work every flight for aviation safety first and foremost. We fly only when it’s safe.”
January 6, 2024
We want to take this opportunity to acknowledge the heroic actions of the Flight Attendants and Pilots at Alaska Airlines in their handling of this situation. This event had the potential to be catastrophic had it not been for the exceptional skills and professionalism of these Flight Attendants and Pilots. We join AFA Alaska in commending the entire crew for their heroic actions and outstanding work under extreme conditions.
Thankfully, of the six crew members on board, only one crew member sustained minor injuries. We received confirmation that there were no Horizon Air employees onboard this flight.
We will keep everyone updated via this news article as more information becomes available.
As a reminder, AFA EAP is always available to offer support to any Flight Attendant in need at (800) 424-2406.
Council 16 EAP reps
Anne Stand (206) 940-4634
Stephanie Day (425) 478-7638
Brandy Likes (503) 330-5503
Miria Davis (208) 389-8612
Kim VanWormer (509) 308-9553
Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, AFL-CIO (AFA) President Sara Nelson, representing 50,000 Flight Attendance at 19 airlines including Horizon Air, released the following statement:
“Flight Attendants are trained for emergencies and we work every flight for aviation safety first and foremost. Last night, Flight Attendants working Alaska Flight 1282 performed our jobs with skill and professionalism to care for passengers after what has been described as an explosive decompression at the window exit.
The Flight Attendants and Pilots of Alaska 1282 ensured all passengers and crew arrived safely back on the ground. We commend the entire crew.
Alaska Airlines has announced the temporary grounding of the Boeing 737-9 MAX aircraft fleet. Our Union strongly believes this decision is a prudent and necessary step toward ensuring the safety of all crew and passengers. We will closely monitor the safety inspection process to ensure that aircraft are not returned to service until they are deemed safe for all.
Our union is supporting the crew. We will provide more information as it becomes available, making sure to support all efforts to review the incident and ensure its lessons are applied to all aspects of aviation safety. AFA EAP is always available to support any Flight Attendant at 800-424-2406.”
“Stronger Together, Better Together”
