Southwest has confirmed the number of aircraft in its fleet that contain unauthorised parts has risen from 46 to 82.
The issue first emerged roughly a week ago after reports surfaced the aircraft were operating with the unapproved parts.
Today a Southwest spokesman is confirming the number of aircraft with the parts has enlarged, and the vendor supplying those parts has been suspended.
Southwest and FAA face a deadline of tomorrow to resolve how long the carrier has to replace the parts, the carrier's spokesman says, explaining the carrier has not been notified by the FAA of the agency's intent to issue a fine.