Europe’s Aviation Regulator Ready to Withdraw Boeing’s Jet Production Approval If Necessary
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has signaled its readiness to withdraw its recognition of Boeing’s jet production approval if safety concerns necessitate such an action. Patrick Ky, the acting head of EASA, highlighted the agency’s commitment to safety, stating that it would halt its indirect approval of Boeing’s jet manufacturing process if required.
This comes amid increased scrutiny over Boeing’s handling of a recent safety issue, where a door plug detached from a 737-9 jet mid-flight due to missing bolts, prompting investigations and audits revealing lapses in quality control at Boeing and its supplier, Spirit AeroSystems.
Under an agreement between the United States and the European Union, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and EASA oversee the production facilities of their respective aircraft manufacturers, Boeing and Airbus, and reciprocally recognize each other’s safety certifications. However, this arrangement allows for the suspension of such recognition if one party loses confidence in the other’s safety assessments, following consultations and a 30-day cooling-off period.
While EASA has not initiated any immediate action to suspend Boeing’s production certification, Tytgat emphasized that the agency possesses the necessary tools to implement measures when justified. The oversight of Boeing’s production process and its compliance with safety standards have become points of concern, especially in light of the fatal accidents involving the MAX series. EASA’s scrutiny of Boeing has intensified since these incidents, although direct monitoring options remain limited.
Tytgat expressed a cautious optimism regarding Boeing’s commitment to enhancing its quality controls, citing recent discussions with the company’s senior executives that left him reassured about their dedication to improving production quality. This engagement with Boeing’s management suggests a recognition of the need for significant changes in the company’s approach to manufacturing and quality assurance.
The FAA, while not directly commenting on EASA’s stance, reaffirmed its expectation for Boeing to undertake substantial improvements. An upcoming audit of Boeing’s manufacturing sites, to which EASA has been invited as an observer, will further evaluate the effectiveness of these commitments to safety and quality.
The potential withdrawal of EASA’s approval of Boeing’s jet production would mark an unprecedented move in aviation safety regulation, potentially leading to significant repercussions for the industry and political landscape. Both the FAA and EASA remain vigilant in their oversight roles, underscoring the global aviation community’s unwavering focus on maintaining the highest safety standards.
Related news: https://airguide.info/?s=Boeing+safety
Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, msn.com