The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Administrator, Mike Whitaker, confirmed that Boeing has not yet restarted 737 MAX production following a recent machinists’ strike. While production is anticipated to resume later this month, the delay underscores Boeing’s focus on workforce training and supply chain stabilization.
Table Content:
Production Restart and FAA Oversight
Following a meeting with Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg and a tour of the 737 plant in Renton, Washington, FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker revealed that Boeing aims to gradually restart 737 MAX production later this month. The FAA is intensifying its oversight following the machinists’ strike, which concluded on November 4th. Whitaker emphasized Boeing’s current prioritization of workforce retraining and supply chain reorganization, explaining the four-week production halt since the strike’s end. A follow-up meeting is scheduled for January to monitor the production ramp-up.
Production Cap and Safety Concerns
Earlier this year, the FAA capped 737 MAX production at 38 planes per month due to a serious safety incident involving a missing door panel on an Alaska Airlines flight. This incident exposed significant safety concerns within Boeing’s manufacturing processes. While Whitaker declined to specify when the production cap might be lifted, he indicated it would likely be several months before Boeing approaches the 38-plane limit. The FAA is closely monitoring Boeing’s progress in addressing these safety concerns.
MAX 7 Certification and Engine De-icing Fix
Certification of the 737 MAX 7 is currently pending a solution for an engine de-icing issue. Whitaker anticipates receiving a proposed fix this month, which will be crucial for moving the certification process forward. He highlighted that the FAA is prepared to proceed once the solution is implemented in the production line and included in the certification application.
Boeing’s Safety Culture Reform
Following an October audit of Boeing, Whitaker initiated another audit and estimated a five-year timeframe for the company to fully reform its safety culture. While acknowledging Boeing’s implementation of a new parts management system and improved training programs, he stressed the importance of a fully functional Safety Management System (SMS). Whitaker expressed concerns about the effectiveness of Boeing’s SMS in proactively identifying and mitigating potential hazards. This echoes concerns raised by the National Transportation Safety Board regarding prior failures of Boeing’s SMS.
Supply Chain Improvements and Government Scrutiny
One crucial improvement involves halting the acceptance of incomplete fuselages from Spirit AeroSystems. The FAA is actively verifying inspection protocols to ensure quality control. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg expressed optimism about Boeing’s responsiveness to safety requirements and pressure.
Leadership Transition and Future Outlook
Whitaker, recently confirmed for a five-year term, faces potential replacement under the incoming presidential administration. He confirmed preliminary discussions with the transition team but stated it was premature to determine his future with the FAA. The restart of 737 MAX production and the ongoing efforts to address safety concerns remain critical for Boeing’s recovery and the future of the aviation industry.
