FAA Insists on Rigorous Safety Checks Before Lifting 737 MAX Production Cap

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has emphasized the need for Boeing to follow through on its safety processes before the 737 MAX production cap can be lifted. FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker discussed the issue with Boeing's new CEO Kelly Ortberg, stressing the importance of executing comprehensive quality turnaround plans.

The head of the Federal Aviation Administration stressed Tuesday that Boeing must prove its safety processes are adequate before the production cap on the 737 MAX can be lifted.

FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker stated he had raised this matter with Boeing's new CEO, Kelly Ortberg, during their initial conversation. He emphasized the need for the planemaker to adhere to its quality turnaround plan.

"There have been comprehensive plans before, so the goal now is ensuring they are executed," Whitaker said at an industry conference. "We've capped production–this was my first conversation with the new CEO. We must ensure the safety metrics are exactly where they need to be for growth."

(With inputs from agencies.)