The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has given Boeing a stringent 90-day deadline to address quality issues and adhere to safety standards for aircraft construction. This directive comes in the wake of a panel detaching from a new Boeing 737 Max jetliner last month.
Commitment to Change
FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker emphasized the necessity for Boeing to make substantial improvements, stating that “foundational change will require a sustained effort from Boeing’s leadership.” Responding to this call for action, Boeing CEO David Calhoun affirmed that they have a clear plan in place following thorough internal and independent evaluations. The goal is to create a comprehensive action plan with measurable criteria that showcase the profound changes required by the FAA.
Audit and Investigation
Currently, the FAA is wrapping up an audit of Boeing’s assembly lines in Seattle, focusing on the Alaska Airlines 737 Max incident where a door panel blew out due to missing bolts post-repair work at the factory. This scrutiny follows the tragic crashes of two Boeing 737 Max jets in 2018 and 2019, resulting in 346 fatalities.
Safety Concerns Addressed
FAA Administrator Whitaker recently toured the 737 factory, engaging with inspectors, engineers, and mechanics to address safety concerns directly. A recent industry report highlighted deficiencies in Boeing’s safety culture, prompting the company to replace the executive overseeing the 737 program and intensify inspections at the Renton, Wash., plant.
Boeing faces stringent deadlines and increased oversight as it steers towards a path of enhanced quality and safety measures as mandated by the FAA.
