FAA calls for cultural shift at Boeing after safety concerns

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Administrator, Mike Whitaker, has called for Boeing to undergo a "fundamental cultural shift" prioritizing safety and quality over profits. This statement was made in an online blog post marking the anniversary of an incident involving an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 9 aircraft.

In the past year, Boeing has faced scrutiny due to safety and quality concerns, particularly following the blowout of a mid-cabin door on a Boeing 737 MAX 9 in January 2024. Accusations have been made against Boeing executives for allegedly pressuring staff to remain silent about these issues.

US government bodies such as the FAA, NTSB, and US DOT have increased oversight of Boeing's manufacturing processes. Whitaker noted that measures taken include placing more inspectors on factory floors, capping production levels of the 737 MAX, conducting audits, and requiring Boeing to develop a plan to address systemic production problems. He emphasized that "our enhanced oversight is here to stay" but stressed the need for a long-term cultural change at Boeing focused on safety and quality.