An expert panel reviewing Boeing’s safety culture issued a report identifying issues.
The panel found a “disconnect” between Boeing’s senior management and employees regarding safety culture.
It criticized Boeing’s culture on multiple fronts, noting a lack of safety awareness across the organization.
The report referenced quality control problems that have emerged since 2020.
It called out gaps in Boeing’s safety efforts and said the company should review recommendations and develop an action plan within six months.
Boeing said it would carefully review the findings to improve safety and quality programs.
“We’ve taken important steps to foster a safety culture that empowers and encourages all employees to share their voice. But there is more work to do,” Boeing said. “We will carefully review the panel’s assessment and learn from their findings, as we continue our comprehensive efforts to improve our safety and quality programs.”
The FAA will also thoroughly review the report and determine next steps.
“The American flying public and Boeing line workers deserve a culture of leadership at Boeing that puts safety ahead of profits,” Senate Commerce Committee chair Maria Cantwell said.
The FAA said it will “immediately begin a thorough review of the report and determine next steps regarding the recommendations as appropriate. We will continue to hold Boeing to the highest standard of safety and will work to ensure the company comprehensively addresses these recommendations.”
The agency faces past criticism for not insulating employees from Boeing pressure.
Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun is set to meet the FAA Administrator to discuss a factory visit.
