Regulators Call For “Systemic Change” At Boeing

Boeing Faces Increased Government Scrutiny and Production Challenges Amid Safety Concerns. The company is under heightened government scrutiny as regulators call for “systemic change” to restore trust in the safety of its aircraft. The aviation giant’s plan to enhance plane quality is subject to ongoing weekly evaluations by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), according to FAA administrator Mike Whitaker.

However, Whitaker did not specify when current production restrictions might be lifted. A recent incident involving a detached door from a 737 Max plane during an Alaska Airlines flight in January has raised further safety concerns, echoing criticisms from the 2018-19 crashes of two 737 Max planes, which claimed 346 lives.

Despite outgoing CEO Dave Calhoun confirming the plan’s execution, Boeing faces lawsuits and potential criminal charges for violating terms of a prior settlement after the fatal crashes. The FAA, intensifying its oversight, mandated Boeing to develop a comprehensive plan within 90 days, culminating in a three-hour meeting to present the plan.

Boeing’s strategy includes measures like reduced manufacturing pace, enhanced training, daily compliance checks, procedural simplification, and increased managerial presence on the factory floor. However, industry experts like Scott Hamilton remain skeptical, questioning the effectiveness of these measures given past safety initiatives. Whitaker emphasized the need for systemic transformation, indicating a prolonged period of stringent oversight to redefine Boeing’s operational standards.