FAA Opens New Safety Review of Boeing

By David Shepardson

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced on Friday a new safety review into Boeing (NYSE:BA) following an in-flight emergency in January. The review will assess risk-assessment quality, resource allocation, and compliance with regulatory requirements, expected to last three months. The FAA plans regular reviews of Boeing's operations.

Last week, the Transportation Department's Office of Inspector General criticized the FAA's oversight of Boeing, stating it lacks an effective system for monitoring individual manufacturing facilities.

Boeing stated it is cooperating fully with the FAA and supports efforts to enhance aviation safety. In addition, the FAA is reviewing Boeing’s operational safety processes to ensure they meet requirements and provide timely, accurate safety information.

An FAA audit in February revealed 97 instances of noncompliance in Boeing’s manufacturing processes, including failures to follow procedures among employees. FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker previously noted that improving Boeing's safety culture could take three to five years.

The FAA's scrutiny intensified after a door plug incident occurred on an Alaska Airlines 737 MAX 9 jet in January, leading to a criminal investigation by the Justice Department. Recent reports have consistently questioned the FAA’s oversight of Boeing, with a Senate panel highlighting deficiencies in agency oversight.

Whitaker has previously indicated plans to reform the FAA’s safety management program and acknowledged that the agency had been “too hands-off” with Boeing's oversight before the January incident. He also restricted Boeing from increasing 737 MAX production until satisfactory quality improvements are observed.