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Boeing Co. is considering selling its space division to focus on core operations, including the Space Launch System for NASA. CEO Kelly Ortberg aims to streamline the company amidst financial challenges and a labor strike. Boeing's space business, historically significant, has faced setbacks compared to competitors like SpaceX. [Extracted from the article]

Boeing Co. is considering selling its space division to focus on core operations, including commercial aircraft and defense. The potential sale includes the Starliner space capsule and operations supporting the International Space Station, while Boeing is expected to continue work on the Space Launch System for NASA. CEO Kelly Ortberg aims to streamline the company's portfolio amid financial challenges, including a labor strike affecting production of key jetliners. [Extracted from the article]

(Bloomberg) -- The union for 33,000 striking Boeing Co. factory workers said it's "actively engaged in indirect discussions" with the embattled planemaker, a possible sign of progress toward ending the five-week walkout.The talks are being facilitated by Julie Su, the acting US Secretary of Labor, according to a Friday statement by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers district representing the striking workers.©2024 Bloomberg L.P.By Ryan BeeneReported by Author [Extracted from the article]

Embraer SA's CEO hinted at the possibility of the Brazilian planemaker expanding its aircraft lineup beyond regional and business jets to potentially compete with Boeing Co.'s 737 and Airbus SE's A320. However, there are currently no concrete plans in place for such a move, with the company's focus remaining on selling its existing products like the E2 model and business jets. Launching a new commercial aircraft program would require significant investment and time, and Embraer's priority at the moment is securing deals for its current offerings. [Extracted from the article]

(Bloomberg) -- Boeing Co. is set to resume mediated negotiations on Monday with its largest union in a bid to end a crippling three-week strike by 33,000 factory workers.The talks will resume at 9 a.m. Pacific time on Monday, the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers said in a statement on Friday. The sides have been at an impasse since negotiations broke down on Sept. 27.©2024 Bloomberg L.P.By Ryan BeeneReported by Author [Extracted from the article]

Boeing has given its workers more time to consider a revised contract offer after union officials criticized the proposal as unrealistic and disrespectful. The company extended the deadline for ratification after the initial deadline of September 27 was deemed unfeasible by the union. Boeing is attempting to ease frustrations among the 33,000 members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers who went on strike on September 13. Resolving the strike quickly is crucial for Boeing to avoid further financial damage. [Extracted from the article]

(Bloomberg) -- Boeing Co. gave its largest union more time to vote on its latest offer to boost wages by 30%, according to a company statement.The planemaker has reached out to the union to extend an initial company-imposed deadline that sought ratification by the end of the day on Sept. 27. Union officials have said they had no plans to hold a vote within that time frame."This strike is affecting our team and our communities, and we believe our employees should have the opportunity to vote on our offer that makes significant improvements in wages and benefits," Boeing said Tuesday.©2024 Bloomberg L.P.By Ryan BeeneReported by Author [Extracted from the article]

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in the US has initiated a preliminary investigation into electric vehicles produced by VinFast Auto Ltd., a Vietnamese company, due to a reported safety issue. The investigation focuses on approximately 3,118 vehicles manufactured between 2023 and 2024, following complaints from 14 owners regarding problems with the Lane Keep Assist system. The NHTSA stated that the system allegedly struggles to detect lanes, provides incorrect steering inputs, and is challenging for drivers to override. VinFast has expressed its willingness to cooperate with the NHTSA and maintains that its vehicles are safe, while the NHTSA has not yet found evidence linking the reported malfunction to any accidents. [Extracted from the article]

Boeing must meet certain quality control metrics before the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will allow the company to increase production rates and lift output limits on its 737 Max jetliner. The FAA imposed production limits on Boeing's 737 Max after a manufacturing incident earlier this year. Boeing has implemented an action plan to address the issue, which includes providing the FAA with real-time performance indicators. The FAA has increased oversight of Boeing and has not yet indicated when the production cap will be lifted. [Extracted from the article]

Carrier Global Corp. has agreed to sell its commercial and residential fire unit to Lone Star Funds for $3 billion. This sale is part of Carrier's strategy to focus on its core heating and cooling equipment businesses. The divestitures, including the sale of its industrial fire business and building security business, have a combined value of about $10 billion. Carrier has also reduced its net debt by over $5 billion through the repayment of outstanding loans and notes. In addition to divestitures, Carrier has been acquiring companies to strengthen its core business, such as the acquisition of Germany's Viessmann Climate Solutions. [Extracted from the article]

Carrier Global Corp. has agreed to sell its commercial and residential fire unit to Lone Star Funds for $3 billion. This sale is part of Carrier's strategy to focus on its core heating and cooling equipment businesses. The divestitures, including the sale of its industrial fire business and building security business, have a combined value of about $10 billion. Carrier has also reduced its net debt by over $5 billion through the repayment of outstanding loans and notes. In addition to divestitures, Carrier has been acquiring companies to strengthen its core business, such as the acquisition of Germany's Viessmann Climate Solutions. [Extracted from the article]

(Bloomberg) -- Carrier Global Corp. agreed to sell its commercial and residential fire unit to an affiliate of private equity firm Lone Star Funds for an enterprise value of $3 billion.The sale is the latest in a series of divestitures by Carrier under Chief Executive Officer Dave Gitlin to focus on its core heating and cooling equipment businesses. The deal is expected to close by the end of this year, the company said in a statement Thursday.©2024 Bloomberg L.P.By Ryan BeeneReported by Author [Extracted from the article]

Boeing has resumed deliveries of its 737 Max aircraft to airlines in China after a two-month pause imposed by Chinese aviation regulators. This move is expected to provide some relief to Boeing's strained finances, as the Chinese market is a significant one for the company. The resumption of deliveries comes after China suspended acceptance of US-made jets in 2019 following two fatal crashes involving the 737 Max. This is seen as a positive development for Boeing, which has been dealing with leadership upheaval and production slowdowns due to safety concerns. [Extracted from the article]

Boeing has resumed delivering its 737 Max aircraft to airlines in China after a two-month pause. The pause was imposed by Chinese aviation regulators to review information about batteries used in cockpit voice recorders. This resumption is a positive development for Boeing, as it will help alleviate some of the financial pressure the company is facing. Boeing shares remained relatively unchanged after the announcement. [Extracted from the article]

Southwest Airlines has implemented a shareholder rights plan, commonly known as a "poison pill," in response to activist firm Elliott Investment Management's push for leadership changes and business revamp. The plan aims to prevent Elliott from gaining control of the airline without compensating other shareholders. Southwest stated that Elliott had acquired an economic interest of approximately 11% in the company but had not disclosed its full position. The rights plan allows shareholders to purchase additional Southwest shares at a discounted price if a shareholder or group accumulates 12.5% or more of the company's common stock. Southwest's shares have dropped 24% in the past year, and the company is facing criticism over its financial performance and corporate culture. [Extracted from the article]

General Electric Co. has extended the contract of CEO Larry Culp through at least 2027, making him unavailable as a potential candidate for the CEO position at Boeing. Culp's contract could be extended until 2028 if agreed upon by him and the board. This extension comes after Culp successfully led a turnaround of General Electric, resulting in the spinoff of its energy-related businesses and leaving GE Aerospace as the remaining company. Other executives, including American Airlines Group Inc. Chairman Greg Smith and Carrier Global Corp. CEO Dave Gitlin, have also removed themselves from consideration for the Boeing CEO position. The potential complications of a three-way deal involving Spirit AeroSystems Holdings Inc. and the candidacy of Pat Shanahan, CEO of the supplier, are also discussed. [Extracted from the article]

General Electric (GE) has extended the contract of CEO Larry Culp through at least 2027, making him unavailable as a potential candidate for the CEO position at Boeing. Culp's contract could be extended until 2028 if agreed upon by him and the board. Culp has been credited with leading a successful turnaround of GE, including the spinoff of its energy-related businesses, leaving GE Aerospace as the remaining company. Culp has expressed his intention to remain at GE Aerospace, and GE's stock has performed well this year. [Extracted from the article]

Southwest Airlines has lowered its revenue outlook for the second quarter, citing challenges in adapting its revenue management to current booking patterns. This reduction comes as the airline faces pressure from activist investors, including Elliott Investment Management, who have called for new leadership. Despite record levels of demand, domestic travel growth in the US is slowing, leading carriers to scale back plans for increased flying and offer discounts to attract customers. Southwest has already begun reevaluating aspects of its business model to better meet the needs of today's customers. [Extracted from the article]

Southwest Airlines has lowered its estimate for unit revenue in the second quarter, citing challenges in adapting its revenue management to current booking patterns. The company now expects revenue per available seat mile to fall by up to 4.5%, compared to its previous estimate of no more than 3.5%. This reduction comes as Southwest CEO Bob Jordan faces pressure from activist investors, including Elliott Investment Management, who have called for new leadership due to the company's struggles in the current environment. Despite record levels of demand, domestic travel growth in the US is slowing, leading airlines to scale back plans for increased flying and offer discounts to attract customers. Southwest has already begun reevaluating aspects of its business model, such as potentially abandoning unassigned seating and offering more premium options. [Extracted from the article]

Southwest Airlines has lowered its estimate for unit revenue in the second quarter, citing challenges in adapting its revenue management to current booking patterns. The airline now expects revenue per available seat mile to fall by up to 4.5%, compared to its previous estimate of no more than a 3.5% decline. This reduction comes as Southwest CEO Bob Jordan faces pressure from activist investors, including Elliott Investment Management, for new leadership. Despite record levels of demand, domestic travel growth in the US is slowing, leading airlines to scale back plans for increased flying and offer discounts to attract customers. [Extracted from the article]

Elon Musk mentioned during Tesla's annual meeting that former President Donald Trump is a fan of the company's Cybertruck and calls him often. Despite their differing views on electric vehicles, Musk and Trump have grown closer recently, with Musk advising Trump on cryptocurrency policy. Musk also discussed his health and safety during the meeting, acknowledging the need to take care of himself for the future of the company. [Extracted from the article]

The US Federal Aviation Administration is investigating claims that pilot trainees for Cathay Pacific Airways at a US flight school were involved in training mishaps that were not properly reported. Phoenix-based AeroGuard Flight Training Center has suspended all solo flights for Cathay cadets due to incidents that damaged planes and were not reported by the trainee aircrew. Cathay has acknowledged the incidents and supports the decision of the flight school. [Extracted from the article]

JetBlue Airways Corp. has agreed to give activist investor Carl Icahn two board seats, avoiding a potential proxy fight. Icahn recently revealed a nearly 10% stake in the airline and called the shares undervalued. The addition of Icahn's representatives to the board puts a spotlight on new CEO Joanna Geraghty, who took over on the same day Icahn's stake was announced. JetBlue is already working to cut costs and return to profitability after a federal judge blocked its planned takeover of Spirit Airlines Inc. [Extracted from the article]

Moody's Ratings has downgraded Boeing Co.'s credit score to one notch above junk status due to quality-control issues affecting the company's free cash flow. The downgrade reflects the underperformance of Boeing's commercial airplanes segment, which has hindered the generation of free cash flow. Boeing burned through $3.9 billion of cash in the first quarter and is expected to use more cash in the current period. Moody's predicts that headwinds related to the segment will persist until at least 2026, and Boeing may need to issue new debt to fund its shortfalls. Despite these challenges, Boeing's CEO remains confident in the company's ability to generate $10 billion in free cash flow by 2025 or 2026. [Extracted from the article]

Flights at major New York City airports were temporarily disrupted after a 4.8 magnitude earthquake shook buildings in the area. Operations were briefly paused at John F. Kennedy International Airport and inbound flights at Newark Liberty International Airport were halted, but both airports have since resumed normal operations. The US Federal Aviation Administration warned of delays for flights headed to Newark. United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and JetBlue Airways reported minimal disruptions and no injuries to airport employees. [Extracted from the article]

The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has temporarily halted flights at John F. Kennedy International Airport and Newark Liberty International Airport in New York City due to a 4.8 magnitude earthquake that shook the region. The FAA stated that air traffic in New York, New Jersey, Philadelphia, and Baltimore may be affected. The agency is working to resume air traffic operations as quickly as possible. The earthquake, which occurred in northern New Jersey, caused buildings to shake in Manhattan and was felt in Long Island and New York's Hudson Valley. [Extracted from the article]

A preliminary report by US safety investigators suggests that a United Airlines aircraft skidded off a runway in Houston due to the pilot deviating from the carrier's landing procedures in slippery conditions. The captain of the Boeing 737 Max lowered the plane's autobraking system to a level that provided less stopping power than recommended by United for wet and slippery landings. The captain believed the runway was dry, while the first officer thought it was wet. The incident is being investigated, and United is cooperating with authorities. This incident is one of several safety concerns involving United Airlines recently, and the FAA is considering actions that could restrict the carrier's growth. [Extracted from the article]

Senator Elizabeth Warren has once again called on the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to investigate whether Tesla's board has violated rules regarding the independence of company directors. Warren expressed concerns about the board's lack of independence from CEO Elon Musk, citing recent events such as a Delaware judge voiding Musk's $55 billion pay package and his threats to move Tesla's incorporation to Texas. Warren previously urged the SEC to probe the board's failure to address potential misappropriations of resources by Musk and conflicts of interest related to his ownership of the social-media platform X. [Extracted from the article]

Boeing's production delays are causing disruptions for airlines and passengers, exacerbating an existing shortage of single-aisle jets. United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and Ryanair are among the carriers affected, as they face reduced deliveries from Boeing. The shortage of planes is also impacting Airbus, Boeing's main competitor, which is struggling to raise production rates. As a result, passengers can expect fewer flight options and potentially higher prices, particularly on domestic and regional routes. However, summer fares are not expected to rise significantly above pre-pandemic levels. [Extracted from the article]

Boeing's ongoing crisis is impacting the airlines that purchase its jets. Major carriers such as United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Alaska Air Group are experiencing delays in receiving the aircraft they had planned on for 2024 due to Boeing's slowed production. The uncertainty surrounding the certification timeline for Boeing's largest variant of the 737 Max has led United CEO Scott Kirby to request a halt in production for the carrier. Southwest Airlines has reduced its capacity and hiring plans in response to reduced deliveries from Boeing. The crisis has created a bottleneck in the industry, as there are only two main suppliers to choose from: Boeing and Airbus. Delta CEO Ed Bastian has stated that deliveries of its 737 Max 10 aircraft could be delayed until 2027, and the airline has been using Airbus's A321 instead. Boeing's stock has suffered a significant decline, and the company is under scrutiny from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to prove it can fix its manufacturing processes. The FAA has found several safety issues during audits, and Boeing's safety culture has been criticized by aviation experts. Boeing's CEO has urged employees to follow manufacturing procedures precisely and prioritize safety and quality. [Extracted from the article]

Boeing's ongoing crisis is impacting the airlines that purchase its jets. Major carriers such as United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Alaska Airlines are experiencing delays in receiving the aircraft they had planned on having due to Boeing's slowed production. This issue extends beyond the current year, with uncertainty surrounding the certification timeline for Boeing's largest variant of the 737 Max 10 jet. Airlines are cutting capacity, reducing hiring, and reviewing spending plans in response to reduced deliveries from Boeing. International customers, including Ryanair, are also being affected. The crisis has created a bottleneck in the industry, as there are only two main players, Boeing and Airbus. Executives in the airline industry are urging Boeing to address its problems urgently. Boeing's stock has significantly declined, and the company is under scrutiny from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to fix its manufacturing processes. The FAA has increased its audit of Boeing and found several instances of noncompliance. Boeing is responding to the audit with immediate changes and is focused on taking significant action to strengthen safety and quality. [Extracted from the article]

3M Co. has appointed aerospace veteran William Brown as its new CEO in an effort to provide fresh direction for the company. Brown, the former CEO of defense contractor L3Harris Technologies Inc., will take over on May 1. The move comes as 3M faces mounting legal liabilities and a declining stock price. Brown's appointment was well-received by investors, with shares rising by as much as 7.2% after the announcement. Brown brings extensive experience in mergers and spin-offs, which could be valuable as 3M navigates its challenges. [Extracted from the article]

3M Co. has announced that William Brown, a former CEO of defense contractor L3Harris Technologies Inc., will be its new chief executive officer, replacing Mike Roman. Roman's tenure was marked by a declining stock and concerns over legal liabilities related to "forever chemicals." Brown will take over on May 1, while Roman will remain with the company as executive chair. 3M has faced significant challenges in recent years, including legal issues and a struggling post-pandemic sales run. [Extracted from the article]

Boeing's aircraft deliveries in February fell behind those of rival Airbus, as the company continues to face the repercussions of a January accident that has put it in crisis. Boeing delivered 27 airplanes last month, compared to Airbus' 49. The situation has caused concern among investors, with Boeing shares losing over a quarter of their value this year. The Federal Aviation Administration has imposed production restrictions on Boeing's 737 Max, affecting customers such as Southwest Airlines and Alaska Air Group. US prosecutors have also launched an investigation into the accident. [Extracted from the article]

General Electric Co.'s aerospace division, GE Aerospace, has announced plans to increase shareholder profits by restoring a significant dividend and accelerating earnings as an independent company. The division aims to achieve operating earnings of $10 billion by 2028, up from a maximum of $6.5 billion expected this year. GE Aerospace also plans to authorize $15 billion in stock buybacks and resume paying a dividend equal to 30% of net income. This forecast reflects the division's confidence in its future growth, driven by a robust market and demand for its products and services. The division's positive outlook is seen as a sign of the earnings potential following the conglomerate's breakup, with GE Aerospace set to become an independent company after the spinoff of GE Vernova on April 2. The dividend plan is particularly significant for GE, which has historically been a multinational US conglomerate. The separation of GE Aerospace is part of a larger plan to split the manufacturer into three companies focused on aerospace, healthcare, and energy. GE Aerospace expects to generate over $5 billion in free cash flow this year and achieve double-digit or higher growth in adjusted revenue. The division's positive outlook reflects the recovery of the air travel industry and investors' increasing confidence in GE's potential as an earnings powerhouse. Since spinning off its healthcare division in January 2023, GE's shares have risen by approximately 140%, outperforming the S&P 500 Index. Analysts believe that GE Aerospace will become the highest quality large-cap [Extracted from the article]

General Electric Co.'s energy businesses are projected to generate $1.2 billion to $1.8 billion in free cash flow next year, an increase from this year's projection. The soon-to-be-independent company, GE Vernova, expects an adjusted profit margin of 10% by 2028. The company's revenue in 2028 is expected to grow by mid-single digits, and it aims to convert 90-110% of operating profits into free cash flow by 2028. GE Vernova's businesses have undergone an overhaul to improve financial performance, and they are now benefiting from increasing demand for wind turbines and electricity grid upgrades. [Extracted from the article]

Boeing is in talks to acquire Spirit AeroSystems Holdings Inc., its former aerostructures unit and main supplier for the troubled 737 Max airliner. Boeing believes that bringing Spirit back under its control would improve aviation safety and quality. Spirit has confirmed the talks and its shares rose following the news. However, the potential merger could be a distraction for both companies as they work to address quality control and safety concerns. Spirit is also exploring the sale of a business in Northern Ireland that makes wings for Airbus. [Extracted from the article]

Boeing is in talks to acquire Spirit AeroSystems Holdings Inc., its former aerostructures unit and the main supplier for the troubled 737 Max airliner. Spirit is also exploring the sale of a business in Northern Ireland that makes wings for Airbus. Buying back Spirit would help Boeing stabilize its supply chain, but it could also be a distraction as both companies work to improve quality controls and safety culture. Spirit has faced years of losses and quality control issues, including a recent incident where a 737 Max lost a fuselage panel during flight. [Extracted from the article]

Boeing is currently in talks to acquire Spirit AeroSystems Holdings Inc., its former aerostructures unit and the main supplier for the troubled 737 Max airliner. Spirit AeroSystems is also exploring the sale of a business in Northern Ireland that manufactures wings for Airbus SE, and Airbus has expressed interest in buying the business. The potential acquisition of Spirit AeroSystems would be a significant step for Boeing in stabilizing its supply chain after a series of production faults. Boeing spun off Spirit AeroSystems in 2005 as part of its efforts to become more profitable, but the move left the supplier vulnerable without the protective cover of Boeing's balance sheet. [Extracted from the article]

Boeing is in talks to acquire Spirit AeroSystems Holdings Inc., its former aerostructures unit and the main supplier for the troubled 737 Max jets. Spirit AeroSystems, based in Wichita, Kansas, has hired bankers to explore strategic options and has held preliminary talks with Boeing. The company is also considering selling a business in Northern Ireland that makes wings for Boeing's rival, Airbus SE. Spirit AeroSystems was spun out of Boeing in 2005 and sold to private equity investors, but the move left the contractor without the protective cover of Boeing's balance sheet. The talks come after a series of quality issues affecting the 737 Max jets, including a fuselage panel blowing off during a flight in January. [Extracted from the article]

Boeing is reportedly in talks to acquire Spirit AeroSystems Holdings Inc., a former unit of Boeing that has faced quality issues with its 737 Max jets. Spirit AeroSystems, based in Wichita, Kansas, has hired bankers to explore strategic options and has had preliminary discussions with Boeing. Additionally, Spirit is considering selling a business in Northern Ireland that manufactures wings for Boeing's competitor, Airbus SE. Boeing and Airbus declined to comment on the matter. Spirit AeroSystems shares rose 19% following the news, while Boeing's shares fell 2.3%. [Extracted from the article]

A scathing report by a panel of experts convened by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has criticized Boeing's safety culture, citing ineffective procedures and breakdowns in communication between senior management and staff. The report, mandated by US lawmakers, highlights constant changes to procedures and trainings that led to confusion and hindered employees' understanding of their role in safety management. The report also found that many employees did not trust the company's reporting program for safety issues. Boeing has stated that it will review the report and learn from its findings. [Extracted from the article]

A scathing report by US regulators has criticized Boeing Co.'s safety culture, citing ineffective procedures and breakdowns in communication between senior management and staff. The report also highlighted a lack of awareness of safety-related metrics throughout the organization. This report is the latest in a series of criticisms of Boeing's safety practices, following a recent incident where a panel covering an unused door flew off during an Alaska Airlines flight. Boeing has stated that it will review the report's findings and continue efforts to improve safety and quality programs. [Extracted from the article]

A report released by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has criticized Boeing Co. for having an "inadequate and confusing" safety culture. The report highlighted a breakdown in communication between senior management and staff, as well as constant changes to procedures and trainings that led to confusion. The FAA panel identified 27 findings and 53 recommendations, calling on Boeing to review and address them within six months. This report comes after a series of quality lapses at Boeing and its supplier, Spirit AeroSystems Holdings Inc. The FAA has placed additional inspectors at Boeing's factories and launched audits at both companies. Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun has apologized and taken steps to stabilize the company. [Extracted from the article]

Boeing has replaced the head of its 737 Max program following a fuselage panel blowout on an Alaska Airlines jet, which raised concerns about the manufacturing quality of the aircraft. Ed Clark, who played a role in increasing 737 production after the Covid pandemic, is stepping down immediately after nearly 18 years at Boeing. Katie Ringgold will take over as vice president and general manager of the 737 program. Additionally, Elizabeth Lund has been promoted to a new position overseeing quality measures across the company. These management changes come as Boeing faces pressure to address manufacturing defects and improve quality control. [Extracted from the article]

The head of Boeing's 737 Max program, Ed Clark, is leaving the company following a midair blowout of a panel on an Alaska Air jet. Clark's departure comes as Boeing faces scrutiny over the incident and the quality controls of its 737 Max model. The US Federal Aviation Administration is conducting an audit of Boeing's practices, and investigators have found that critical parts were missing from the aircraft involved in the blowout. [Extracted from the article]

JetBlue Airways Corp. has agreed to give two board seats to activist investor Carl Icahn, who recently revealed a nearly 10% stake in the company. The two new board members, Jesse Lynn and Steven Miller, will initially serve as non-voting observers before gaining full voting rights after JetBlue's annual shareholder meeting. This move comes shortly after Icahn called the company's shares undervalued and expressed plans to seek "board representation." The agreement highlights the new CEO Joanna Geraghty, who took over on the same day Icahn's stake was announced. JetBlue shares rose after the news. [Extracted from the article]

The head of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Mike Whitaker, plans to question Boeing executives about their progress in improving quality during upcoming meetings in Washington, DC. Whitaker recently visited Boeing's factories in the Seattle area and met with agency inspectors, company engineers, and mechanics. The FAA has increased inspections and audits of Boeing's production lines following a structural failure of a 737 Max 9 jet. Whitaker will discuss his observations and concerns with Boeing executives, who are expected to provide an update on their efforts to improve quality control and compliance. Senator Maria Cantwell plans to hold hearings on the issues raised by federal investigators. The FAA expects to complete its audit of Boeing's production and manufacturing quality systems in the next few weeks. [Extracted from the article]