Boeing Must Prioritize Safety Over Profits: FAA’s Mike Whitaker

The outgoing administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), has publicly criticized Boeing, stating the company needs a “fundamental cultural shift” to prioritize safety and quality over profits. Mike Whitaker’s comments, shared in an online statement on Friday, come as the company has had to contend with recent crashes in Brazil, Azerbaijan, and South Korea, leaving 228 people dead in the closing weeks of 2024. U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg (L) listens as FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker (R) speaks during a news conference at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport Nov. 21, 2024 in Arlington, Virginia. Whitaker urges Boeing to… U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg (L) listens as FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker (R) speaks during a news conference at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport Nov. 21, 2024 in Arlington, Virginia. Whitaker urges Boeing to prioritize safety over profits, calling for a cultural shift within the company. Alex Wong/Getty Images Boeing on Friday issued an update on steps it has taken to improve safety and quality, including addressing concerns raised by employees and reinforcing their confidentiality protection. Boeing, which couldn’t build new 737s during a seven-week strike by machinists last fall, said it has strengthened training for mechanics and quality inspectors. The company said it updated a system to display the names of employees who perform metal-stamping work. The company also said it has “significantly reduced defects” in 737 fuselages built by Spirit AeroSystems, but it declined to provide numbers. Spirit is a key supplier that Boeing is in the process of buying for $4.7 billion. Newsweek reached out to Boeing and the FAA via email for comment. Why It Matters Boeing remains under scrutiny after years of safety lapses, prompting the FAA to limit 737 Max production and increase factory inspections. Whitaker, who steps down Jan. 20 ahead of Donald Trump’s administration, highlighted ongoing concerns about Boeing’s systemic issues, calling the U.S. “the safest and most complex airspace in the world” in his resignation statement. The stakes are high for Boeing, still recovering from its 737 Max crisis, which began in 2019 with two fatal crashes that killed 346 people in Indonesia and Ethiopia. The fallout—lawsuits, financial losses, and reputational damage—has driven efforts to reshape its future such as the planned $4.7 billion purchase of Spirit AeroSystems. What To Know Boeing has lost an estimated $23 billion as a result of their troubles. Last month, new CEO Kelly Ortberg announced plans to lay off about 17,000 workers and sell new stock to raise cash and prevent the company’s credit rating from sliding into junk status. Whitaker admitted the company’s approach has been “too hands-off.” “Boeing is working to make progress executing its comprehensive plan in the areas of safety, quality improvement, and effective employee engagement and training,” he said. “But this is not a one-year project. What’s needed is a fundamental cultural shift.” Boeing kicked off last year with an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 Max losing a door-plug panel mid-flight. Despite the breach, pilots safely landed the plane in Portland, Oregon. An investigation revealed that bolts securing the panel were not replaced during factory maintenance. The FAA has doubled enforcement cases against Boeing since the January incident and placed inspectors on the ground in factories. In response, the FAA also limited the production of 737 Max jets, increased factory inspections, and demanded a comprehensive plan from Boeing to address safety and quality issues. Whitaker noted that while Boeing has made progress, the path to meaningful cultural change remains long and arduous. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) also continues to investigate. In preliminary findings, the NTSB noted Boeing lacked proper records identifying workers responsible for the faulty maintenance, raising further questions about its quality-control processes. This photo released by the National Transportation Safety Board shows the door plug that fell from Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 on Jan. 8, 2024, in Portland, Oregon. The FAA has implemented enhanced oversight measures, including… This photo released by the National Transportation Safety Board shows the door plug that fell from Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 on Jan. 8, 2024, in Portland, Oregon. The FAA has implemented enhanced oversight measures, including capping 737 Max production at 38 planes per month, following numerous safety incidents. National Transportation Safety Board via AP, file What People Are Saying Mike Whitaker, FAA Administrator, said in an online post: “What’s needed is a fundamental cultural shift at Boeing that’s oriented around safety and quality above profits. That will require sustained effort and commitment from Boeing, and unwavering scrutiny on our part.” Kelly Ortberg, Boeing CEO, said in a Q3 statement to staff last year: “We need to be clear-eyed about the work we face and realistic about the time it will take to achieve key milestones on the path to recovery. We also need to focus our resources on performing and innovating in the areas that are core to who we are, rather than spreading ourselves across too many efforts that can often result in underperformance and underinvestment.” Tammy Duckworth, Democratic Senator for Illinois said: Whitaker’s oversight of Boeing has been essential. “Our aviation system is safer because of his service,” the head the Senate aviation subcommittee concluded. Boeing Statement on the South Korea Jeju Air Flight 2216 crash: “We are in contact with Jeju Air regarding flight 2216 and stand ready to support them. We extend our deepest condolences to the families who lost loved ones, and our thoughts remain with the passengers and crew.” What Happens Next Whitaker’s successor, to be appointed by President-elect Donald Trump, will inherit the responsibility of overseeing Boeing’s compliance with stricter FAA regulations. The incoming administration’s stance on aviation safety could determine the extent of oversight applied to Boeing and the industry at large. Meanwhile, Boeing is lobbying to raise its 737 Max production cap to 56 planes per month, up from 38, contingent on FAA approval. The NTSB’s final report on the January 2024 Alaska Airlines incident is expected later this year, potentially leading to new safety recommendations. This article includes reporting from The Associated Press