FAA's Oversight Under Scrutiny: Boeing Production Safety Concerns

A federal watchdog criticized the FAA's oversight of Boeing's manufacturing, citing ineffective auditing and unaddressed risk factors. Following a safety incident with an Alaska Airlines jet, the FAA is implementing reforms, addressing longstanding oversight weaknesses. New recommendations aim to shift to proactive, data-driven safety management.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) faces criticism from a federal watchdog over its oversight of Boeing's airplane production. The Transportation Department's Office of Inspector General highlighted insufficient auditing measures and longstanding weaknesses in managing Boeing's supplier oversight amid known risks.

Concerns escalated after a missing door plug component caused an incident on an Alaska Airlines 737 MAX 9 at high altitude, triggering a criminal investigation by the Justice Department. In response, the FAA has pledged to adopt the watchdog's 16 recommendations, aiming to enhance oversight processes through a comprehensive systemwide review.

Despite Boeing's lack of immediate commentary, the report stressed the need for a proactive, data-driven safety management strategy. Recent investigations, including those by a U.S. Senate panel, have pointed to similar oversight deficits. FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker committed to revamping safety protocols, even halting Boeing's production expansion pending improvements.

(With inputs from agencies.)