Boeing chief executive Kelly Ortberg joined RTX CEO Christopher Calio and GE Aerospace CEO Larry Culp for discussions with US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford on accelerating aircraft and component certification in Savannah, Georgia. The 15 October meeting focused on regulatory changes that could shorten approval timelines while maintaining safety oversight, a priority for Boeing’s delayed aircraft programmes and its suppliers.
Duffy has pushed for faster certification to help US aerospace companies compete with China. The FAA proposed changes in June aimed at reducing reliance on exemptions, special conditions and equivalent-level-of-safety findings during the approval process.
Certification of a new aircraft can take five years or more because of extensive testing, technical documentation and regulatory reviews. Boeing’s 737 MAX 7 took more than eight years to receive approval, while the 777X remains more than five years behind its original schedule.
The executives were expected to outline obstacles in the current system and discuss possible regulatory changes affecting aircraft, engines, parts and other equipment. The meeting produced no reported agreement, specific commitments or timetable for new rules.