Safety ‘disconnect’ found in Boeing review

Findings appear in a review by a panel of experts directed by the US Congress

A “disconnect” between Boeing’s senior management and other parts of the organisation on safety culture has been disclosed by a new US government report.

The findings appear in a review by a panel of experts directed by the US Congress after crashes involving Boeing 737s in 2018 and 2019 which killed 349 people.

The expert panel said it also observed “inadequate and confusing” implementation of a positive safety culture and a “lack of awareness” of safety-related metrics at all levels of the organisation.

There was also a lack of pilot input in aircraft design and operation.

Boeing should review the recommendations made within six months and “develop an action plan”.

The expert panel was appointed by the US Federal Aviation Administration in early 2023.

Its report is separate to a probe following a panel blowing off an Alaska Airlines 737 Max 9 last month.

Pledging to review the findings of the 50-page report, Boeing said: “We’ve taken important steps to foster a safety culture that empowers and encourages all employees to share their voice. But there is more work to do.

“We will carefully review the panel’s assessment and learn from their findings, as we continue our comprehensive efforts to improve our safety and quality programmes.”

 The FAA said: “We will immediately begin a thorough review of the report and determine next steps regarding the recommendations as appropriate. 

“We will continue to hold Boeing to the highest standard of safety and will work to ensure the company comprehensively addresses these recommendations.”