WICHITA, Kan. – Boeing’s CEO, David Calhoun, made a visit to Spirit AeroSystems’ headquarters and factory in Wichita, Kansas, expressing a commitment to collaboration between the two companies in order to improve their operations. Meanwhile, in Washington, D.C., Members of the Senate Commerce Committee were briefed by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) chair Jennifer Homendy and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Administrator Mike Whitaker on their ongoing investigations into Boeing and the recent airplane accident.
During the two-hour briefing, no mention was made regarding potential penalties or enforcement actions. However, Senator Jerry Moran of Kansas, a Republican, stated that he had no doubt that consequences would follow when the investigations conclude. According to Moran, Whitaker emphasized that the FAA is examining Boeing’s challenges over a longer period, with the recent incident being just one component of their investigation.
The briefing also shed light on concerns about the FAA’s oversight duties, with Moran expressing a keen interest in ensuring the agency carries out its responsibilities effectively. Both the FAA and NTSB declined to comment on the details of the briefing.
In the midst of scrutiny over the quality of their work, Boeing’s CEO and Spirit AeroSystems’ CEO, Patrick Shanahan, held a town hall meeting with about 200 employees from both companies. Shanahan, a former Boeing executive and acting US defense secretary, assured the workers that by collaborating with the NTSB, FAA, airlines, and Boeing, they would restore confidence in their operations.
The emergency landing of an Alaska Airlines Max 9 jet on January 5, caused by a door plug blowing out, has prompted investigations by the NTSB and the FAA. Both agencies are examining whether Boeing and its suppliers adhered to quality control procedures. As a result of the incident, Alaska and United Airlines have grounded their Max 9 planes after finding loose hardware in door plugs during inspections.
Boeing’s stock has suffered an 18% drop since the accident, making it the worst-performing company in the Dow Jones Industrial Average during this period. However, on Wednesday, the company’s shares rose by 1%. The investigations and scrutiny surrounding the incident will be critical factors in Boeing’s recovery.
In conclusion, Boeing’s CEO expressed a commitment to improvement during his visit to Spirit AeroSystems, while Senators received a briefing from NTSB and FAA officials regarding their ongoing investigations. The focus remains on determining the cause of the accident and ensuring that safety procedures and oversight are properly implemented moving forward.