Revamping Safety: Duffy's Boeing Factory Tour Amid Stringent Oversight

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy plans to visit Boeing's factory to assess safety measures, following past 737 MAX issues. Duffy's visit, coinciding with the Ethiopian Airlines crash anniversary, emphasizes the FAA's commitment to stringent oversight. Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg to testify on safety culture improvements.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced plans to visit a Boeing factory in Renton, Washington, this Thursday, aiming to ensure safety measures are upheld at the U.S. planemaker. This move comes as part of heightened oversight following the Ethiopian Airlines 737 MAX crash in 2018. Duffy will be accompanied by acting FAA Administrator Chris Rocheleau while the Trump administration enforces stringent oversight on Boeing's operations.

The visit will include meetings with Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg, who is also scheduled to testify before the Senate Commerce Committee regarding efforts to enhance the company's safety culture. The discussions will also involve FAA inspectors as part of a broader commitment to reinforce quality controls in Boeing's production processes. Boeing has not yet commented on the upcoming visit.

The timing of the visit marks the sixth anniversary of the Ethiopian Airlines crash that claimed 157 lives and led to significant changes in the Boeing 737 MAX's design and pilot training programs. The FAA stated that Duffy's visit underscores the administration's dedication to addressing systemic quality control concerns. The visit follows recent oversight measures, including a production cap and increased inspector presence at the factory.

(With inputs from agencies.)