According to people familiar with the talks, leaders of Transportation">Boeing Secretary Sean Duffy to discuss streamlining approvals for aircraft and components. Attendees include Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg, RTX CEO Christopher Calio and GE Aerospace CEO Larry Culp. Duffy and FAA chief Bryan Bedford have been explicit about wanting a faster certification path to promote innovation and help U.S. companies compete globally.
During Wednesday's session, the government will hear from industry leaders about what is and is not working in today's system and ideas to improve it, including potential regulatory changes, the people said. As the department put it, certification reform is "an opportunity to both enhance safety for the flying public and maintain America's global aerospace competitiveness," adding, "If we can't modernize the process, safety innovation will lag and adversaries like China will step in to fill the void."
Following two deadly 737 Max accidents and a 2024 midair blowout of a door-sized panel, Boeing has faced major certification obstacles under stricter scrutiny. RTX had no comment. GE Aerospace directed inquiries to the Aerospace Industries Association, which said it looks forward to "making aircraft certification more effective, more transparent and safer than ever." Boeing did not have an immediate comment.
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Boeing secured approval in August for the 737 Max 7 after years of delays, and regulators are anticipated to clear the larger Max 10 within the next few weeks. The company nevertheless continues to contend with the 777X widebody, notably problems tied to engines provided by GE Aerospace.
Airlines have their own frustrations, such as the time it takes to get premium seat layouts approved.
In June, the FAA unveiled a proposal it said is intended to lower both the cost and the time required for approving new aircraft and engines by "reducing the number of exemptions, special conditions, and equivalent level of safety findings required during the certification process." The agency also cites steps it says have strengthened certification and safety oversight, including promoting the exchange of information and the submission of safety concern reports.
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