safety crisis

The acting head of Europe’s aviation regulator, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), has warned that the agency could suspend its indirect approval of Boeing’s jet production if necessary. This comes amid concerns over Boeing’s handling of its latest safety crisis, particularly with the 737 MAX series. The EASA’s acting executive director, Luc Tytgat, mentioned that international cooperation on airplane production is being tested due to ongoing issues with Boeing. An incident on January 5, where a door plug tore off a 737 MAX 9 jet due to missing bolts, has increased scrutiny on Boeing and its supplier, Spirit AeroSystems, for poor controls. The EASA and the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have a transatlantic pact to regulate and recognize each other’s safety approvals for Boeing and Airbus factories. Tytgat stated that no action to suspend recognition is imminent but did not rule it out if future fatal accidents occur. The FAA has called for Boeing to commit to significant improvements. Tytgat also mentioned having a reassuring discussion with Boeing executives about their commitment to improving production quality control. The FAA and EASA are working closely, with EASA being invited to join an audit of Boeing as an observer, marking a step forward in mutual confidence-building between the agencies.