US transportation secretary meeting with Boeing, GE CEOs on aircraft certification reform efforts
BA•Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy is meeting with Boeing and GE CEOs to discuss reforms intended to speed aircraft certification. The FAA proposed changes in June, and Duffy has said new airplane approvals can take five or more years.
1. Certification reform talks
Duffy is meeting with CEOs of major aerospace companies, including Boeing and GE, as he seeks to reform aircraft certification. A spokesperson confirmed the meeting; Boeing and GE declined to comment.
2. Approval timelines
Duffy said on Sept. 30 that he wants to speed certification of new airplanes, citing competition from China. Approving a new airplane can take five or more years and require substantial testing, data and documentation. The FAA proposed changes in June to modernize and speed certification of new commercial airplanes.
3. Delayed aircraft programs
Boeing took more than eight years to certify the 737 MAX 7, which was approved in August. Certification of the 777X is more than five years behind Boeing’s original schedule. FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford has said the agency is working with industry on ways to streamline the process.
