But Checks Must Be Completed Within Five Days

The clock is ticking on 128 Boeing 737 airliners flown by Southwest after it was revealed that they had missed inspections required by the FAA.

The planes had initially been grounded. Southwest said in a Tweet that "A select number of aircraft have been removed from service for maintenance checks, resulting in minimal delays."

The airline on Wednesday posted a statement on its website said that the FAA had approved a plan to complete inspections within five days.

"On Tuesday, Southwest Airlines discovered a required maintenance check on the standby hydraulic system, which serves as a back-up to the primary hydraulic systems, was overdue on 128 Boeing 737-700 aircraft," the statement said. "Southwest immediately and voluntarily removed the affected aircraft from service, initiated maintenance checks, disclosed the matter to the FAA, and developed an action plan to complete all overdue checks. Late Tuesday evening, the FAA granted Southwest approval to continue operating the aircraft for a maximum of five days as the checks are completed. Approximately 80 cancellations occurred Tuesday as Southwest awaited FAA's response."

"The Safety of Customers and Employees is Southwest's highest priority and the airline is working quickly to resolve the situation."

The airline said the flight schedule was expected to be nearly normal by Wednesday as the remaining checks were completed.

(Image from file)

FMI: www.southwest.com