Senator Calls FAA’s Boeing Fine Too Weak

U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal is criticizing the Federal Aviation Administration’s proposed $3.1 million fine against Boeing, calling it inadequate in addressing systemic safety failures. In a letter to FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford, Blumenthal argued that the penalty is far too small to deter the aerospace giant from repeating violations, describing it as “a cost of doing business” rather than a meaningful consequence.

Blumenthal, who has led Senate investigations into Boeing’s safety practices, urged the FAA to explain how the fine was calculated and warned against any reductions that could undermine accountability. He emphasized that unless penalties are significant enough to force safety reforms, risks to passengers will continue.

The fine stems from hundreds of quality system violations identified by the FAA between September 2023 and February 2024 at Boeing’s 737 factory in Renton, Washington, and at Spirit AeroSystems in Wichita, Kansas, a key subcontractor. Issues included presenting unairworthy aircraft for approval and evidence that a Boeing employee pressured a co-worker to sign off on a noncompliant jet to meet delivery schedules.

The controversy follows a high-profile January 2024 incident in which an Alaska Airlines 737 MAX suffered a mid-air cabin blowout, later linked to missing bolts. The event damaged Boeing’s reputation, grounded MAX 9 aircraft for two weeks, and led the FAA to cap production at 38 jets per month.

Blumenthal warned that token fines risk sending the wrong message, saying the public must have confidence that enforcement actions are serious tools to protect aviation safety.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, reuters.com