FAA Chief to Testify Before Congress on Boeing’s Quality Improvement Plan

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Administrator Mike Whitaker is set to testify before the House Transportation Committee on September 24 regarding Boeing’s quality improvement plan. This follows Whitaker’s February directive, giving Boeing 90 days to address systemic quality-control issues. Boeing submitted its plan in May, and the FAA is still evaluating its effectiveness.

Boeing has faced increased scrutiny since a mid-air emergency involving an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 9 in January. The incident has prompted Congressional inquiries, with U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal, chair of the Senate Subcommittee on Investigations, highlighting concerns over Boeing’s safety culture. Blumenthal criticized Boeing for fostering a work environment where employees concealed safety issues, calling on the FAA to clarify its oversight of the planemaker before the January incident.

The FAA’s role in ensuring Boeing rectifies its safety practices will be a key focus during the hearings. Whitaker, who barred Boeing from increasing production until improvements are confirmed, stated that the agency will maintain a heightened presence at Boeing facilities. He described Boeing’s path to quality reform as a long-term effort, likely to take years rather than months.

Whitaker is also expected to visit Boeing’s Seattle headquarters to meet with CEO Kelly Ortberg later this month. In July, Senate Commerce Committee chair Maria Cantwell requested a thorough FAA review of its oversight of Boeing and other manufacturers, signaling ongoing concerns about the aerospace giant’s safety protocols.