Federal regulators have announced that the ban on Boeing increasing production of its 737 MAX planes will continue for at least the next few months. This decision comes after ongoing safety concerns surrounding the aircraft, which have been under increased scrutiny since a chunk of fuselage blew out of an Alaska Airlines new 737 MAX 9 plane earlier this year.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) held talks with Boeing’s outgoing CEO, Dave Calhoun, and other senior figures at the company to discuss the ongoing issues. The FAA has also placed Boeing under enhanced oversight, following a series of incidents involving their planes and claims from whistleblowers alleging the company was putting out defective aircraft.
Administrator Mike Whitaker stated that the FAA will continue to monitor the company closely and hold weekly meetings to ensure safety and quality improvements are being made. Whitaker also expressed that he does not expect Boeing to receive approval to increase production in the next few months and that they have a long road ahead to address safety concerns.
Despite being allowed to produce up to 38 737 MAXs per month, Boeing is currently producing significantly fewer. This may cause setbacks for airlines awaiting deliveries of new planes, including Ryanair, which previously complained about delays affecting their growth. Ryanair’s CEO, Michael O’Leary, stated that the delays have forced them to tweak their summer schedules and that he was “very disappointed” by the situation.
In response to the ongoing issues, Boeing has announced an extensive improvement plan, including efforts to improve workforce training. Outgoing CEO Dave Calhoun stated, “Many of these actions are underway and our team is committed to executing on each element of the plan.” Calhoun’s replacement has yet to be announced, as he is set to leave the company by the end of the year as part of a larger shake-up following the Alaska Airlines incident.
The ban on increasing production may be viewed as a setback for Boeing, but regulators are emphasizing the need for a strong and unwavering commitment to safety and quality. The FAA will continue to closely monitor the company’s progress, with a focus on ensuring that they are in the right zone for safety and quality standards.
