The head of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has called for "significant changes" to be made by Boeing to enhance the quality and safety of its airplanes. In a congressional hearing scheduled for Tuesday morning, FAA Administrator Michael Whitaker addressed the improvements needed in Boeing's safety culture following a recent incident involving a door plug blowing off a 737 Max operated by Alaska Airlines. While acknowledging progress made since the incident, Whitaker emphasized that there is more work to be done to ensure the long-term sustainability of these changes.

Whitaker stressed the importance of a shift in Boeing's safety culture to address systemic quality assurance and production issues comprehensively. He highlighted the FAA's commitment to overseeing Boeing and its primary supplier, Spirit AeroSystems, announcing the addition of more safety inspectors at their facilities. Whitaker indicated that the FAA's increased on-site presence at Boeing and Spirit AeroSystems will continue in the foreseeable future as part of heightened oversight measures.

During the congressional hearing, Whitaker outlined the multi-year timeline required for a full turnaround in Boeing's safety culture, emphasizing the need for a sustained commitment to prioritize safety over production. He cited progress made by Boeing, including halting roving work on the factory floor to prevent similar incidents. However, ongoing strikes and negotiations have impacted the rollout of a Boeing safety training program, delaying its implementation. Whitaker expressed the necessity for employees to internalize the safety message over time for a lasting cultural shift towards safety consciousness.

Notably, a recent internal investigation at Spirit AeroSystems revealed discrepancies in documented records for precisely measured parts, such as brackets, frames, and beams. While around 4% of records since 2010 were found to be missing or duplicated, Spirit AeroSystems assured that no safety concerns were identified with these parts, and no aircrafts are required to be grounded. The company has notified affected customers and is conducting a thorough internal investigation to address the documentation issues.

To reinforce regulatory oversight and safety management, the FAA is undergoing internal structural changes, including elevating the role of its executive committee. Whitaker announced that both he and the agency's deputy administrator will now be members of this committee to strengthen safety protocols and regulatory enforcement within the aviation industry.