WestJet's fleet part of FAA directive for 737NG operators

Directive does not represent safety concern for WestJet aircraft

CALGARY, April 15, 2013 /CNW/ - WestJet announced it is aware of the Federal Aviation Administration's airworthiness directive released to all Boeing Next-Generation 737 operators today.

The directive, which is not related to any event or occurrence, refers to an issue with the protective coating on pins located in the horizontal stabilizer rear spar, which attach the main stabilizers to the fuselage. The horizontal stabilizers control the plane's ability to ascend, maintain level flight and descend.

The directive calls for Boeing operators to replace only those pins having a specific part number with an improved version prior to the aircraft reaching 56,000 cycles (take-offs and landings). Currently, the oldest WestJet aircraft is nowhere near that, at less than 20,000 cycles.

"This directive does not represent a safety concern within WestJet's fleet and no action needs to be taken outside of regularly scheduled maintenance," said Cam Kenyon, WestJet's Executive Vice-President, Operations. "As per our regular maintenance schedule, we will inspect and replace this part if needed. We do not anticipate any service disruptions."

WestJet complies with all applicable directives issued by the country where the aircraft is manufactured, in addition to any applicable airworthiness directives issued by Transport Canada, European Aviation Safety Industry and the Federal Aviation Administration.

About WestJet

WestJet is Canada's most preferred airline, offering scheduled service to 85 destinations in North America, Central America and the Caribbean. Powered by an award-winning culture of care, WestJet pioneered low-cost flying in Canada. Recognized nationally as a top employer, WestJet now has more than 9,000 WestJetters across Canada. Operating a fleet of more than 100 Boeing Next-Generation 737 and Bombardier Q400 NextGen aircraft, WestJet strives to be one of the five most successful international airlines in the world.

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SOURCE: WestJet

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