On November 7, 2024, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced plans to intensify its oversight of Boeing as the company prepares to resume production of its 737 MAX jetliners following a significant labor strike. The strike, which lasted 53 days, ended recently, allowing Boeing to focus on ramping up production once again. The decision by the FAA to increase its scrutiny comes in the wake of multiple safety and quality control issues that have plagued the 737 MAX series over recent years. This includes a critical incident in January where a door panel detached from an Alaska Airlines 737 MAX 9 mid-flight, prompting the grounding of 171 similar aircraft and a subsequent investigation into Boeing's manufacturing practices.
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FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker communicated directly with Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg, emphasizing the necessity of adhering to a robust safety management system during production resumption. The FAA has stated it will maintain an enhanced on-site presence at Boeing's production facilities, particularly in Renton, Washington, where the 737 MAX is assembled. This move is part of a broader strategy to ensure that Boeing's quality control procedures are not only followed but also improved upon.
The agency's oversight will include capping the production rate of the 737 MAX at 38 planes per month, a decision made in January following the Alaska Airlines incident. This cap will remain in place until the FAA is satisfied with Boeing's compliance with safety and quality standards. The FAA's commitment to stringent oversight was further evidenced by its audit in February, which found 97 instances of noncompliance in Boeing's production processes, highlighting issues in manufacturing control, parts handling, and product control.
Whitaker has publicly stated that improving the safety culture at Boeing might take up to five years, underscoring the long-term commitment to change from both Boeing and the FAA. This announcement reflects a heightened regulatory vigilance, ensuring that safety remains paramount as Boeing navigates its production challenges post-strike. The FAA's actions are part of a comprehensive approach to not only address immediate safety concerns but also to foster a lasting transformation in Boeing's operational culture to prevent future incidents.