FAA Seeks $3.14M Fine Against Boeing Over Safety Lapses
The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has proposed a USD3.14 million fine against Boeing for multiple safety violations tied to quality-control lapses and interference with safety inspectors. The penalties also relate to the January 2024 mid-air door plug blowout on a Boeing 737-9 operated by Alaska Airlines, which triggered an emergency landing in Portland and renewed scrutiny of Boeing’s manufacturing practices.
According to the FAA, investigators uncovered “hundreds of quality system violations” between September 2023 and February 2024 at Boeing’s 737 production facility in Renton, Washington, and at subcontractor Spirit AeroSystems’ plant in Wichita, Kansas. The agency accused Boeing of improperly presenting two unairworthy aircraft for certification and failing to follow its own quality procedures. In one case, an employee allegedly pressured an authorized inspector to approve a 737 MAX delivery that did not meet FAA standards in order to meet production targets.
The proposed USD3,139,319 penalty is the maximum civil fine allowed by law. Boeing has 30 days to respond.
In a statement, Boeing expressed regret for the January 5, 2024, incident and pledged to strengthen its safety culture. The company highlighted the implementation of a Safety & Quality Plan under FAA oversight, new performance management systems, increased workforce training, and stronger production compliance measures to improve first-time quality and accountability.
The proposed fine underscores growing federal pressure on Boeing to improve oversight and restore trust following a series of safety issues that have prompted congressional hearings and intensified regulatory scrutiny.
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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com