No need to check all these aircraft

I REFER to the letter “Push for inspection of aircraft” in The Star on Nov 1 (online at bit.ly/star_flights).

It states that all local airlines that fly the version of the Boeing 737NG under the model 737600/700/800/900 should not take this matter lightly. They should start inspection of the aircraft before any untoward incident happens. The letter also states that Malaysian aviation authorities should be proactive in pushing for these inspections without delay.

Please allow me to first say that, having worked closely with the aviation industry in the Asia Pacific since 1988, no airline would compromise the safety of its passengers, crew and aircraft.

US watchdog, the Federal Aviation Administration recently ordered immediate checks on 737NG aircraft that has done more than 30,000 take-offs and landings. The 737NG is the precursor of the 737 Max, which was grounded worldwide in March after two deadly crashes involving Lion Air and Ethiopian Airlines.

Jet aircraft airline operators in this country, Malaysia Airlines Berhad (MAB), AirAsia and Malindo Air have never operated the -600 or the -700. MAB has operated the 737-200, -300, 300QC (quick change, passenger-to-freighter), -400 and the -500.

Air Asia in its early days of startup operations flew the -300 and -400. Malindo operates the -800, -900 and -900ER.

Boeing, the manufacturer of the 737-600 closed the production line in 2010.