Federal regulators have uncovered quality control issues during a six-week audit of Boeing and Spirit AeroSystems, a major supplier to Boeing.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported discovering “multiple instances” of non-compliance with manufacturing quality control requirements at both Boeing and Spirit AeroSystems.
The audit was initiated following an incident on January 5, where a door plug panel detached midair during an Alaska Airlines flight. Although there were no serious injuries, the aircraft had to make an emergency landing due to a hole in the fuselage caused by the detached plug.
A preliminary investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board revealed that four crucial bolts, meant to secure the door plug, were missing when the aircraft left Boeing’s factory.
The FAA’s audit highlighted deficiencies in Boeing’s manufacturing process control, parts handling and storage, and overall product control.
Following discussions between FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker and Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun, Boeing was given a 90-day deadline to devise a plan to rectify the identified quality control issues.
Although the FAA provided Boeing and Spirit AeroSystems with a summary of the audit findings, details were not disclosed to the public due to an ongoing investigation.
Auditors inspected Boeing’s facility in Renton, Washington, and Spirit’s plant in Wichita, Kansas.
Boeing has confirmed its discussions regarding the potential acquisition of Spirit AeroSystems. Jessica Kowal, Boeing’s director of media relations, stated that such integration could enhance aviation safety, improve quality, and benefit customers, employees, and shareholders.
This move would mark a shift in strategy for Boeing, as it had previously divested the assets now belonging to Spirit AeroSystems. However, Spirit has faced significant challenges in recent years concerning quality control, attributed to its efforts to keep pace with Boeing’s demanding production schedule.
