Irrespective of the journo spin, the fact is that the carrier was fined, so obviously there were some maintenance shortcomings and lack of compliance with Airworthiness Directives.
Southwest is known the world over as a carrier that has been turning consistent yearly profits, so the journos as well as the travelling public may have been dumbfounded to learn why SWA managers would curtail labor intensive maintenance checks. . . to make more profit?
Historically, paying a fine has not been a sufficient remedy for cutting corners on required airplane maintenance. Therefore, senior airline managers and directors should be sent to jail. It's the only way to send a meaningful warning to the industry's CEOs and shareholders [owners] worldwide.
