FAA Launches Safety Review of Boeing's Operations in October 2024

In October 2024, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced a three-month review of Boeing's adherence to safety regulations, a step aimed at intensifying oversight of the aerospace giant. This examination was prompted by ongoing concerns regarding Boeing’s safety culture, emphasizing that the review was not initiated due to a specific incident. Instead, it is part of the FAA’s routine assessment of safety measures the company implements. The FAA will focus on critical aspects of Boeing’s safety processes to ensure that they generate prompt and accurate safety-related information for the agency's use. The scrutiny followed a near-miss incident involving a 737 Max jetliner, where a door plug panel detached during an Alaska Airlines flight earlier in the year. FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker has mandated specialized audits and additional measures to investigate the safety culture prevailing at Boeing, reflecting a significant concern from the agency. Furthermore, the Department of Transportation's inspector general recently critiqued the FAA’s oversight limitations, indicating that it has struggled to address various unsafe practices at Boeing. Reports suggest that issues like improper pressure exerted on safety inspectors remain unresolved, highlighting critical weaknesses in safety compliance and enforcement. Out of 34 reports concerning undue pressure, only 14 have been closed, with the majority pending for over a year. As a result, the FAA’s increased scrutiny aims to reestablish trust and safety standards in Boeing's operations, underscoring a growing need for transparency and accountability within the aerospace manufacturer’s frameworks.