Published: 14:47, May 31, 2024
Boeing presents safety plan to US FAA
By Xinhua
The headquarters for The Boeing Company is seen on Jan 31, 2024 in Arlington, Virginia. (PHOTO / AFP)

SAN FRANCISCO - Boeing said its leaders met with US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) officials in Washington, DC, on Thursday to present the company's comprehensive Safety and Quality Plan.

The plan is based on findings from FAA audits, recommendations from an FAA expert panel review and feedback from the company's employees, Boeing said.

"This is a guide for a new way for Boeing to do business," FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker said after the meeting, adding that he expected the company to produce "systemic change".

The plan generally fits into four categories of actions to invest in workforce training, simplify plans and processes, eliminate defects, and elevate safety and quality culture, according to Boeing

He said the FAA will not allow Boeing to increase the number of planes coming off of its Max assembly line each month until it is satisfied with production quality.

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Boeing and the FAA will meet weekly on the progress of implementing the plan and the FAA will conduct monthly reviews.

The plan generally fits into four categories of actions to invest in workforce training, simplify plans and processes, eliminate defects, and elevate safety and quality culture, according to Boeing.

"We will work under the FAA's oversight and uphold our responsibility to the flying public to continue delivering safe, high-quality airplanes," said Stephanie Pope, president and CEO of Boeing's Commercial Airplanes.

Boeing has grappled with significant quality and safety issues concerning its aircraft for years, leading to the prolonged grounding of specific models and halted deliveries.

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From October 2018 to March 2024, the company faced several incidents that underscored concerns about the safety and reliability of its aircraft.