FAA's Renewed Focus on Boeing Oversight

By David Shepardson

CHICAGO (Reuters) – The head of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is working to streamline aircraft certification and strengthen oversight of Boeing (NYSE:BA) following a January in-flight emergency.

FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker discussed the agency's restructuring of aviation oversight after a door panel, missing four key bolts, detached from an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 9 in January.

Whitaker emphasized the importance of reviewing the aircraft certification process. "We're reviewing that to make sure we're getting the right stuff and we have the right tools to understand it," Whitaker stated, noting that the FAA aims to utilize better technology for a more efficient process.

Originally, Boeing sought to certify the MAX 7 in 2022 but encountered various issues. In January, the company withdrew its request for a safety exemption concerning an engine de-icing problem. Whitaker mentioned he anticipated Boeing would propose a de-icing solution soon.

Boeing refrained from commenting on the matter.

The certification of the MAX 7 is crucial before the FAA can proceed with the Max 10, causing delivery delays for airlines. Alaska Airlines CEO Ben Minicucci expressed that the delivery of 737 MAX 10s might not occur until mid-2026.

In response to past challenges, the FAA has significantly enhanced its oversight of Boeing, shifting from a previously hands-off approach to more rigorous in-person inspections, which Whitaker describes as a "permanent change."

"I think we've ramped up the level of oversight," he asserted. "The inspection points need to be focused on the key parts of that production process."

Additionally, Whitaker restructured an oversight committee to convene more frequently and involve senior officials. The FAA is committed to continuously reviewing its oversight models for Boeing, airlines, and air traffic controllers, aiming for a more agile approach to prevent past oversights.