USDOT Secretary Duffy reaffirms Boeing's production cap during factory tour

“[Duffy] noted th e dedication of American workers assembling these planes and acknowledged th e progress made toward ensuring their safety. However, he emphasized that continued scrutiny and oversight are necessary to achieve th e highest standard of safety excellence. ”

The DOT emphasized that Duffy and Rocheleau will maintain th e 38-per-month production cap for th e 737 MAX production line, something that Duffy promised during his nomination hearing in front of th e US Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation in January.

“The department remains committed to ensuring all Key Performance Indicators are met and will only lift th e cap when confident that an increase will not compromise safety or quality. ”

Duffy underscored Boeing’s need to transform its safety culture, including developing a predictive safety system that identifies emerging risks.

“Since th e January 5 Alaska Airlines 737 MAX9 door plug incident,” said Duffy “the FAA has intensified its oversight of Boeing increasing its presence on th e factory floor with additional safety inspectors at both th e Renton facility and Spirit AeroSystems’ facility in Wichita Kansas. ”

In response to a midair door plug blowout incident earlier this year under Joe Biden''s administration led by Kelly Ortberg President & Chief Executive Officer CEO who replaced David Calhoun announced comprehensive plan several months after ordered company provide regulator plan improve management assurance supply chain focus quality emphasized Kelly Ortberg President Chief Executive Officer CEO replacing predecessor David Calhoun August prepared remarks before Q3 results release admitted trust eroded yet pointed opportunities future massive $500 billion backlog services Much written got recognize once benchmark good culture looks believe return legacy Following former Fox News host shared thoughts segment being saying lost trust They lost Trust look manufacturing look quality place American people airlines feel producing incredibly safe airplanes families friends fly Still recognized long process focus leadership efforts progressed bring rebuild told outlet near rate concluded maker meet assure regulator built lift asserting just Heads Visit leaders visit March