I’m fairly sure of it based on the reports but of course we need to wait for the actual investigation. I think it is indeed new for these Max planes and the ai

I’m fairly sure of it based on the reports but of course we need to wait for the actual investigation. I think it is indeed new for these Max planes and the airline purchased this one in this configuration that would not require it (fewer seats), and adding a functioning exit in (including life rafts and slides) would simply cost a lot more (and weigh more) than just blanking it out with a piece of metal. Not to mention extra maintenance and testing of said exit. The airline may have the desire to buy a model with fewer seats because it’s cheaper and weighs less, but might also have a requirement for fewer cabin crew members too.