FAA Chief Calls for Cultural Overhaul at Boeing Following Safety Incidents

A year after the Alaska Airlines door plug blowout, Boeing faces heightened scrutiny and implements safety reforms, but regulators stress more work is needed.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) continues its intensified oversight of Boeing following the January 2024 door plug blowout on an Alaska Airlines 737 Max 9, which exposed systemic safety issues.
Boeing has implemented measures including enhanced employee training, random quality audits, and new processes to reduce manufacturing defects, addressing over 70% of employee-raised action items.
Outgoing FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker emphasized that Boeing requires a long-term cultural shift to prioritize safety and quality over profits, describing the effort as 'not a one-year project.'
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and FBI are still investigating the Alaska Airlines incident, which led to temporary groundings and production caps on the 737 Max line.
Boeing’s leadership has undergone significant changes, with a new CEO and safety-focused initiatives aimed at rebuilding trust and stabilizing its production and reputation after a difficult 2024.