Boeing faces $3.9M fine for installing faulty parts on 737 planes

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced Friday that it is fining Boeing more than $3.9 million for installing faulty parts on approximately 133 of its 737 jets. 

The FAA said in a statement that Boeing did not sufficiently oversee its suppliers to make sure they complied with its quality assurance system, a decision that resulted in the installation of weakened parts that are located on the jets’ wings and help with takeoff and landing. 

The FAA also said that Boeing was made aware of the issues by suppliers and still certified the jets as airworthy. 

“Boeing knowingly submitted aircraft for final FAA airworthiness certification after determining that the parts could not be used due to a failed strength test,” the FAA said.

The company now has 30 days to respond to the FAA’s letter proposing the civil fine of $3,916,871.

Boeing did not admit liability and said it’s working to address the FAA’s concerns.

“We are working closely with our customers to take the appropriate corrective actions,” spokesman Charles Bickers told The Hill.

The fine comes as Boeing faces lingering scrutiny over its fleet of 737 Max jets after two crashes between October 2018 and March 2019 killed 346 people.