After Cantwell Calls for Audit, FAA Announces Increased Oversight of Boeing Production and Manufacturing
January 12, 2024
Today, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced it will initiate an audit of the Boeing 737-9 MAX production line and its suppliers to evaluate Boeing’s compliance with its approved quality procedures. U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, released the following statement welcoming the decision by FAA:
“Yesterday I called for FAA to strengthen its oversight of manufacturers, and today I welcome FAA’s decision to open a new audit of Boeing’s production line to determine if the company’s quality control processes meet compliance standards. The public deserves a comprehensive evaluation of Boeing and Spirit AeroSystems to strengthen production quality and aviation safety.”
Senator Cantwell sent a letter yesterday to FAA Administrator Michael Whitaker requesting information and safety audit documents related the Boeing 737-9 MAX to ensure manufacturers cannot avoid audit accountability and are complying with FAA quality control regulations. The senator also reminded the Agency of her request a year ago for FAA to initiate a special technical audit of Boeing’s production systems.