In a recent government meeting, officials discussed the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) ongoing efforts to enhance safety protocols within Boeing, particularly in light of the January 5th door plug accident. The FAA emphasized the importance of Boeing's Safety Management System (SMS), which is now a mandatory requirement by law. This marks a significant shift, as Boeing has previously struggled to implement effective safety measures.

The FAA highlighted that Boeing's ability to increase production is contingent upon successfully addressing these safety challenges. The agency is closely monitoring Boeing's compliance with the SMS requirements, underscoring that a robust SMS is crucial for safe operations.

Regarding the investigation into the door plug incident, officials noted that it is still ongoing and could not provide specific details about potential supplier contributions to the safety lapses identified in initial audits. However, it was acknowledged that the quality of products from Spirit AeroSystems, a key supplier, was inadequate, prompting Boeing to relocate inspectors to Wichita to address these issues.

The FAA also addressed concerns about the integrity of the U.S. aerospace supply chain, stating that while original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) like Boeing make corporate decisions about their supply chains, the company may have over-delegated responsibilities, leading to the recent challenges. The FAA's commitment to ensuring safety and quality in aerospace manufacturing remains a top priority as investigations continue.