Kristina Roberts
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the United States has said that it will carefully check Boeing’s supply chain before it gives permission to increase the number of 737 MAX airplanes made each month. The head of the FAA, Bryan Bedford, made this statement while speaking at an air show in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. He explained that Boeing has made some positive changes but still needs to prove it can maintain these improvements over time.
In January 2024, a serious incident happened when a 737 MAX 9 plane flown by Alaska Airlines had a problem in the air. Four important bolts were missing, which caused a mid-air emergency. Because of this, the FAA decided to limit how many 737 MAX planes Boeing could build each month. Right now, Boeing is not allowed to make more than 38 of these planes every month. Since that incident, the FAA has been very careful with Boeing and is keeping a close eye on the company’s work.
During his conversation with the media, FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford shared that Boeing has not yet officially asked to increase its production rate. However, he added that it wouldn’t be a surprise if Boeing makes that request soon. Bedford said that before the FAA can make any decisions, it will look into all the parts of Boeing’s supply system to ensure safety and quality. “We’re going to want to look at the entire supply chain,” Bedford said, making it clear that the FAA wants to make sure everything is working properly before allowing more planes to be built.
Bedford also praised Boeing for making efforts to improve its workplace culture. He said, “I believe it’s real, but it’s still embryonic.” This means he thinks Boeing is heading in the right direction, but the changes are still new and need more time to grow and become stronger. He added that the FAA wants to see positive changes that last a long time, a strong and healthy workforce, and a safe working environment. They are also looking for real improvements in the factory where the planes are made.
Even though Boeing has not yet made any public comments about the FAA’s recent statement, the company had earlier shared that they were confident about their ability to increase production. Boeing’s CEO, Kelly Ortberg, said in May that the company was “pretty confident” that they could raise the number of 737 MAX planes made each month from 38 to 42. However, before this can happen, they must first show the FAA that they are ready and fully prepared.
In May, the FAA extended a program that allows Boeing to carry out some tasks on behalf of the agency. This program includes jobs like inspections, and the extension was given because Boeing had shown signs of improvement. Still, the FAA is not rushing to lift the production cap. Bedford stressed that doing things right the first time is not only safer but also saves money. He said, “Getting the job done right the first time actually is the cheapest way to make the plane.”
Another major issue still on the table is the certification of the newest models of the 737 MAX, known as the MAX 7 and the MAX 10. These are the smallest and the largest versions of the plane. The FAA is currently reviewing them to make sure they meet all the safety rules before they can be used. Boeing wants to get these planes certified as soon as possible so it can sell more versions of the MAX to different airlines.
According to Bedford, Boeing understands that changing how things work in the factory and focusing more on safety is very important. He believes that Boeing is starting to see the true value in improving its culture at the workplace and reducing the number of mistakes made during production. “I think they see real value in changing the culture on the shop floor, getting the defect rates down,” he said.
All of this shows that the FAA is being very cautious when it comes to Boeing’s planes. After the 2024 incident with the missing bolts, the agency wants to be absolutely sure that Boeing has learned from past mistakes. They are taking their time and looking at every detail. Safety comes first, and the FAA is not willing to take any chances.
This also puts some pressure on Boeing, one of the biggest airplane companies in the world. The company has had a hard time in recent years because of different safety problems with its 737 MAX jets. These issues have affected its reputation, and many people now expect Boeing to do a better job of keeping things safe and following the rules.
The 737 MAX is one of Boeing’s most popular airplanes. Many airlines around the world use it for short and medium-distance travel. That’s why making sure each plane is made correctly and safely is so important. A mistake with one plane could lead to big problems for many people. The FAA knows this, and that’s why it is being very careful.
In the past, Boeing was allowed to handle many tasks on its own without too much checking from the FAA. But things have changed after the accidents and safety issues in recent years. Now, the FAA is watching more closely and wants to be involved in every step of the process. It wants to make sure that Boeing doesn’t cut corners or rush to build more planes before everything is ready.
As of now, Boeing will have to wait. Even though the company is hopeful that it can increase its monthly production to 42 planes, it must first pass the FAA’s review. This means checking the supply chain, showing proof of a strong safety culture, and making real improvements in the factories.
To sum up, the FAA is not against Boeing making more planes. But it wants to make sure that every step is safe and smart. Boeing is working hard to fix its problems and build better planes, but it will take time and effort. The future will depend on how well Boeing can continue to improve and whether the FAA believes that these improvements are strong enough to allow more planes to be built safely.
