Allegiant Air grounds MD-80 fleet for emergency slide inspections

Allegiant Air stated (20-Sep-2013) it discovered a "compliance issue" which will require the reinspection of emergency escape slides on a number of the carrier's Boeing MD-80 aircraft. The carrier stated: "During a thorough incident review earlier this week, Allegiant maintenance became aware of a discrepancy in its slide maintenance schedule. In 2007, the original manufacturer recommendation for slide maintenance schedule changed from once every three years to once a year for slides older than 15 years. Allegiant discovered that many of the slides had not been inspected within the last year and did not comply with this recommendation. This prompted Allegiant to proactively remove aircraft from service until all slides could be brought into compliance. To inspect and overhaul the slides, the slides must be removed and sent to a regulated inspection and maintenance facility." Allegiant expects to complete the process by the end of Sep-2013, with aircraft to be returned to service after passing reinspection. The carrier added: "The company has secured sub-service on seven aircraft from other carriers to assist in operating its Sunday and Monday flight schedule and expects to have 22 MD80 aircraft in service by Saturday. Allegiant expects delays and reschedules to continue, but is working around-the-clock to reaccommodate and update passengers." Allegiant will offer passengers affected by service cancellations and delays the following compensation:

• Service delay of less than four hours: USD100 voucher for future travel;
• Service delay of four to six hours: USD150 voucher for future travel;
• Service delays of six or more hours: USD200 voucher for future travel;
• Services delayed overnight: Accommodation and meals;
• Rescheduled services: Full refund and a USD200 voucher for future travel.

Allegiant Travel Company president Andrew C Levy said: "We apologise for the disruption to our passengers and ask that they please remain patient as we work to correct the issue, reschedule affected flights and accommodate any passengers impacted. Allegiant is committed, above all else, to the safety of our passengers and crew, and we are dedicated to working around-the-clock to ensure that all of our fleet meets the highest standards." [more - original PR] [more - original PR - II] [more - original PR - III] [more - original PR - IV] [more - original PR - V]