Pressure grows on Boeing: it failed 33 of 89 audits after the blowing up of the fuselage of an Alaska Airlines plane

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Boeing under Scrutiny as Government Launches Investigations

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg has called for a “serious transformation” within Boeing in light of multiple government investigations into the company’s safety and manufacturing practices. The scrutiny comes after a panel fell off a Boeing 737 Max plane mid-flight, raising concerns about the overall quality of Boeing aircraft.

The Justice Department has launched a criminal investigation into the Jan. 5 explosion on an Alaska Airlines plane, during which a hole caused depressurization of the cabin at 4,876 meters above sea level. The investigation was initiated after Boeing admitted that it could not find records of panel work done at one of its factories.

The Federal Aviation Administration, under Buttigieg’s department, is also looking into Boeing, signaling the seriousness of the situation. Buttigieg emphasized the importance of Boeing fully cooperating with investigations by various government agencies, including the NTSB and the DOJ.

Boeing has pledged to cooperate fully with the investigations and take comprehensive steps to improve safety and quality. Alaska Airlines, which was involved in the incident, is also cooperating with the Justice Department’s investigation.

Reports have revealed that Boeing failed a significant number of FAA audits, highlighting numerous problems with the 737 Max production process. One such example was the use of Dawn liquid dish soap to lubricate a door seal during installation, raising concerns about the company’s practices.

Despite the challenges, Boeing remains committed to implementing changes to strengthen safety and quality. However, NTSB Chairwoman Jennifer Homendy has criticized Boeing for a lack of work records related to the Alaska plane explosion, further adding to the company’s challenges.

The FAA has barred Boeing from increasing production of Max planes and has given the company a 90-day deadline to address quality control issues. Boeing has stated its focus on taking meaningful actions and building trust with customers moving forward.

The ongoing investigations and scrutiny underscore the need for Boeing to address systemic issues and prioritize safety in its operations. As the company navigates these challenges, the aviation industry and passengers will be closely watching for meaningful changes and improvements.