Adds $1,000 Travel Voucher As Apology For The Flight

Southwest has compensated every passenger aboard Flight 1380, which suffered an uncontained engine failure last week, a check for $5,000 and a $1,000 travel voucher in an effort to retain their business.

Bloomberg reports that, in a letter to the affected customers, Southwest CEO Gary Kelly (pictured) said "We value you as our customer and hope you will allow us another opportunity to restore your confidence in Southwest. In this spirit, we are sending you a check in the amount of $5,000 to cover any of your immediate financial needs.”

The incident resulted in the fatal injury of Jennifer Riordan, who was partially pulled from the airplane through the window near her seat as the plane rapidly decompressed. Debris from the failed CFM56-7B engine shattered the window, causing the decompression. The NTSB, Boeing, and engine manufacturer Safran are working to determine the cause of the failure. In an early news conference, NTSB chairman Robert Sumwalt said that the engine fan showed signs of metal fatigue, but a probable cause determination is likely months, if not years away. Meanwhile, the FAA has issued an AD requiring more frequent inspections of the engine.

Southwest also said that it would offer additional assistance to passengers, such as reuniting them with their luggage and other expenses. “Our primary focus and commitment is to assist you in every way possible,” Kelly said.

The accident caused the first fatal injury aboard a Southwest flight in the carrier's history, and was also the first fatal injury on a U.S. commercial airline since 2009.

(NTSB image)

FMI: Original report