This morning, Boeing is facing scrutiny as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) releases a new report highlighting safety concerns within the company. The report, commissioned a year ago but gaining attention now, delves into the safety culture at Boeing following the tragic 737 Max eight crashes that claimed 346 lives in 2018 and 2019.
The review panel, consisting of representatives from airlines, unions, and safety units of other aerospace companies, found significant gaps in Boeing's safety culture. One major issue identified was the lack of knowledge among employees on how to report safety problems to their managers, with concerns raised about potential retaliation for speaking up.
Furthermore, the report pointed out quality issues that reflect a poor safety culture within Boeing. This echoes previous incidents such as the Alaska Flight 1282, where critical bolts were missing from the plane due to a quality control problem at Boeing's Renton factory.
A key observation from the expert panel was the disconnect between Boeing's senior management and other members of the organization regarding safety culture. Critics have long voiced concerns about Boeing losing its way in prioritizing safety.
In response to the report, Boeing stated that they have taken steps to promote a safety culture that encourages all employees to report issues but acknowledged that more work is needed. This report marks the first official assessment from the FAA since the recent door plug incident on January 5th, prompting ongoing audits of Boeing's production practices at its Renton plant in Washington.
