Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Administrator Mike Whitaker told a US House subcommittee that Boeing’s efforts to reform its safety culture will take years to complete, citing a three-to-five-year timeframe for the necessary changes.
Whitaker emphasized that Boeing has made progress but acknowledged that significant work remains to ensure the safety reforms are fully realized.
“It is not a six-month program – it is a three-year to five-year program,” Whitaker said.
He explained that safety culture reforms require a long-term approach.
“There is progress, but they are not where they need to be,” Whitaker noted.
Whitaker’s remarks came during the first of two days of congressional hearings addressing Boeing’s safety turnaround efforts. The Senate will continue discussions on the matter on Wednesday. The scrutiny comes in the wake of several high-profile incidents involving Boeing aircraft, including a January mid-air emergency involving an Alaska Airlines 737 MAX 9, which prompted FAA investigations and increased oversight.
Boeing has faced considerable criticism since two fatal crashes involving the 737 MAX in 2018 and 2019, which led to grounded fleets and multiple investigations. In response, the company has been working to implement reforms, including a new safety training program. However, Whitaker warned that without fundamental changes to Boeing’s safety culture, the manufacturer may struggle to meet its production goals.
“There has to be culture change or they won’t be able to go back to producing aircraft at the level they want,” Whitaker said.
The FAA has placed a cap on the production of Boeing’s 737 MAX, limiting output to 38 aircraft per month until the company demonstrates substantial safety and quality improvements.
Whitaker’s testimony followed Boeing’s agreement to plead guilty to a criminal fraud conspiracy charge in July and pay $243.6 million as part of a Justice Department settlement. The company also committed to spending at least $455 million to enhance safety and compliance programs under the supervision of an independent monitor for the next three years.
US lawmakers expressed frustration with Boeing’s ongoing issues. Representative Steve Cohen voiced concerns over the company’s competitiveness.
“For America’s interests, Boeing needs to get its act together,” Cohen said.
The FAA has significantly increased its oversight of Boeing, with more in-person inspectors monitoring the production process. Whitaker underscored that the agency’s current hands-on approach marks a shift from its previous “too hands-off” stance. By year’s end, the FAA aims to have added 55 inspectors at Boeing and Spirit AeroSystems facilities, addressing longstanding quality control issues.
As Boeing continues its efforts to improve, the company remains under scrutiny, with ongoing investigations by both the FAA and the Department of Justice. The company declined to comment on Whitaker’s remarks during the hearing.
With input from Reuters, the Seattle Times, and Independent.
