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.