U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy Statement on NTSB Meeting on Alaska Airlines Boeing Door Plug

WASHINGTON – U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy today issued the following statement regarding the NTSB hearing on the Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 door plug blowout.

The last administration and Boeing took their eye off the ball. They were distracted and safety was put at risk. That can never happen again.
 
Under this new administration, safety is paramount and it drives everything we do. Whether it’s building an all-new air traffic control system or ensuring Boeing and other manufacturers are delivering safe products, we will not hesitate to implement changes. 
 
The FAA has fundamentally changed how it oversees Boeing. We have strengthened our oversight to address systemic production-quality issues and ensure accountability. A number of the NTSB’s recommendations have already been implemented, and those that have not are currently under review.
 
We are closely monitoring Boeing’s performance, meeting weekly with company leadership to review progress and challenges in implementing necessary reforms. FAA safety inspectors are embedded in Boeing’s facilities, conducting targeted audits and inspections.
 
While Boeing is making progress, the FAA will not lift the 737 production cap until we are fully confident the company can consistently produce aircraft that meet our rigorous safety and quality standards.
 
Detailed information about our enhanced oversight is available on the FAA website.

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