FAA audit reveals ‘multiple’ issues in Boeing production

Following a six-week audit, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) found “multiple” quality control issues at Boeing and its key supplier, Spirit AeroSystems.

The issues were related to manufacturing process control, parts handling, storage and product control.

Visits to Boeing’s Renton, Washington factory and Spirit’s facility in Wichita, Kansas, were part of the audit.

Backdrop
The FAA audit focused on Boeing 737 Max production, spurred after the mid-air door plug blowout incident in early January that involved an Alaska Airlines 737 Max plane.

It led the FAA to ground 171 Max 9 jets, allowing them to resume service only after inspection.

Earlier, the FAA had given Boeing 90 days to produce a quality improvement plan to address these issues.

Others are investigating, too
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating the Alaska Air incident, while the Justice Department is reviewing if it breached a previous agreement with Boeing.