Boeing has yet to resume 737 MAX production a month after the IAM machinists union strike ended, but plans to do so later this month, according to FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker.
Whitaker recently met with Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg during a tour of the 737 plant in Renton, Washington, discussing a gradual restart of production and future plans for workforce training and supply chain improvements. He emphasized the need for Boeing to implement an effective Safety Management System (SMS) to identify and mitigate operational hazards, ensuring that suppliers, such as Spirit AeroSystems, deliver complete work.
Earlier this year, Ed Clark, who led Boeing’s 737 MAX program post-pandemic, stepped down after 18 years, with Katie Ringgold succeeding him as Vice President and General Manager of the program.
In an interview with NBC Nightly News, Whitaker addressed questions about Boeing’s size and challenges, stating, “I would say they failed,” and noted that the company is undergoing a significant reset to enhance quality and safety. He also acknowledged improvement in runway safety but noted that close calls continue to be a concern.
When asked about his future as FAA administrator, Whitaker indicated ongoing discussions with the transition team, but no decisions had been made at that time.
