The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced that Boeing has been granted a 90-day period to develop a plan to rectify quality concerns and comply with safety standards in aircraft manufacturing. This directive comes after a recent incident where a panel detached from a new Boeing 737 Max jetliner. FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker emphasized the necessity for "real and profound improvements" from Boeing, expressing the importance of sustained effort and accountability from the company's leadership.

Boeing's CEO, David Calhoun, acknowledged the need for significant changes based on internal and independent reviews, highlighting the company's commitment to creating a comprehensive action plan with measurable criteria as demanded by the FAA. Failure to meet the 90-day deadline could result in undisclosed consequences from the FAA.

An audit by the FAA is currently underway at Boeing's factory near Seattle, focusing on the assembly lines responsible for aircraft like the Alaska Airlines 737 Max involved in the recent door-panel incident. Investigations revealed that bolts crucial for securing the panel were missing after repair work at the Boeing facility.

This incident has intensified scrutiny on Boeing, marking its highest level since the tragic crashes of two Boeing 737 Max jets in 2018 and 2019, resulting in the loss of 346 lives. Noteworthy efforts to address safety concerns have been made by Boeing, including the replacement of the executive overseeing the 737 program and enhanced inspections at the Renton, Washington plant where the 737 Max is manufactured.

The FAA's actions follow a recent report by a panel of experts which identified shortcomings in Boeing's safety culture. The company maintains that it has been actively working to enhance safety practices. FAA inspections at the 737 factory and discussions with Boeing employees suggest ongoing efforts to address safety issues. Boeing, headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, faces a critical period in addressing these challenges to uphold safety and quality standards in aircraft manufacturing.