The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced new restrictions on Boeing’s jet manufacturing facilities. The FAA will limit any 737 MAX production rate increases until Boeing can ensure its quality control complies with regulations. The FAA has also approved detailed inspection measures for air carriers flying Boeing 737 MAX 9s before the grounded jets can return to passenger service. This will allow Alaska Airlines and United to put their MAX 9 fleets back in the air. However, the FAA’s mandate requires Boeing to slow down and address its quality control issues before production can be increased.
FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker emphasized that the safety of air travel must take precedence over financial targets for Boeing. This intervention by the federal government is unprecedented in a private business. Aviation intelligence firm Leeham.net’s founder Scott Hamilton stated that the FAA’s action could leave Boeing with hundreds of unfilled orders as it can’t make scheduled deliveries. The consequences could potentially be damaging, prompting Boeing to address its issues. The FAA has increased oversight of Boeing’s production lines since the mid-air fuselage blowout on Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 on Jan. 5.
The FAA outlined the actions it has taken to increase oversight, including launching an investigation into Boeing’s compliance with manufacturing requirements, expanding oversight of new aircraft, monitoring data on defect counts, and initiating an analysis of safety-focused reforms. The agency also stated that it would fully enforce its authority to hold Boeing accountable for any non-compliance.
The inspection process for the airlines to complete before the MAX 9 aircraft can fly again includes detailed visual inspections of various components. Fasteners must be retightened to specifications, and any damage or abnormal conditions must be repaired before the aircraft can operate. The FAA’s statement reflects a direct response to the actions demanded by Congress, calling for legal enforcement actions and a full investigation by the NTSB to ensure safety.
For more information on Alaska Airlines and the Boeing 737 MAX 9, contact Dominic Gates at dgates@seattletimes.com. Dominic Gates is a Pulitzer Prize-winning aerospace journalist for The Seattle Times.
