Boeing's "Open Door Policy"—One Year Later

Good morning! A new year, a new President, and lots of things happening in general and business aviation. I even had to cut some stories out this week in order to keep it manageable. Maybe it’s time for two Flybuyer newsletters each week…?
-Rob Roy 🛩️

In today’s email:

• The FAA’s Unyielding Scrutiny of Boeing

• Around the Skies: Asheville’s expansion comes at a price, 2024 was big for Embraer, Atlantic Aviation embraces eVTOL, FAA’s pilot currency overhaul, Airlifting pets to safety amid wildfires, Wildfires delay living legends celebration, Delta’s record-breaking bonus payout, Blue Origin nails first launch, SpaceX Starship explosion

• PilotTube: Meet the New AOPA President

THE BUSINESS OF AVIATION

FAA Stays Vigilant Over Boeing’s Safety Culture

Nearly one year after a Boeing 737 Max 9 operating Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 lost a door plug mid-flight, the FAA has vowed to continue its enhanced oversight of Boeing. The incident, which shocked the aviation industry, raised serious concerns about Boeing’s safety culture and led to the FAA and NTSB working closely together on an investigation. Former FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker stated that the agency’s oversight efforts are far from over, emphasizing that it’s not a “one-year project.”

Whitaker described the steps the FAA has taken, including adding inspectors to Boeing’s factory floors, conducting an unprecedented number of audits and requiring Boeing to create a plan to fix its systemic production issues. Despite the progress, the FAA’s commitment to Boeing’s safety culture requires sustained effort, and Whitaker noted that an increase in safety reports is a positive sign that the culture is improving. However, he emphasized that the true challenge lies in Boeing’s ability to instill a cultural shift focused on safety and quality over profits.

Throughout the past year, the FAA has had to navigate a tumultuous relationship with Boeing, including dealing with the company’s stonewalling during investigations and a workers' strike that briefly halted production. Whitaker pointed out that following the strike, Boeing took a month to ensure all necessary safety steps were in place before resuming production. This commitment to safety is seen as a crucial turning point for the company.

Despite the ongoing scrutiny, the FAA remains resolute in their message to Boeing’s leadership, emphasizing that the company’s efforts to improve its safety and quality culture must continue. With the possibility of off-loading other business units to streamline efforts, Boeing’s leadership will need to prove that it is committed to long-term cultural change, while the FAA continues its role in keeping a close watch on the process.

Don’t Keep Flybuyer a Secret!

Help me grow the newsletter by sending this link to your pilot friends!

AROUND THE SKIES

🛩️ As Asheville Regional Airport (KAVL) expands with a $400 million project, general aviation hangars are being demolished to make room for more airline terminal space. The expansion will increase terminal gates from seven to twelve, with new hangars planned for future development by independent businesses.

🛩️ Embraer saw a 14% increase in aircraft deliveries in 2024, handing over 206 aircraft compared to 181 in 2023. This growth was fueled by a strong fourth quarter, with 75 deliveries, including 44 executive jets and 31 commercial jets.

🛩️ Atlantic Aviation is ramping up its involvement in advanced air mobility by acquiring Ferrovial Vertiports, aiming to build eVTOL takeoff and landing sites across the U.S. This move complements their existing partnerships with eVTOL companies like Archer and Joby Aviation, as well as their plans to electrify terminals.

🛩️ The FAA’s updated pilot currency rules now allow non-current flight instructors and students to fly together for recurrency training without the instructor needing to first complete their own takeoffs and landings. The change swaps "passengers" for "persons" and makes it easier for pilots to regain currency quickly, as long as both are the sole occupants of the aircraft.

🛩️ With the devastation of the southern California wildfires, Wings of Rescue is swooping in to give shelter pets a second chance at life by flying them out of danger and into new homes. A recent flight brought 39 dogs and 18 cats to Seattle Humane, where they will be available for adoption. The organization uses a fleet of aircraft, including a Pilatus PC-12 and chartered Saabs, to carry out these life-saving missions.

🛩️ The 22nd Annual Living Legends of Aviation Awards, originally set for January 17, has been postponed due to ongoing wildfires in Los Angeles. The event, which honors aviation pioneers like Buzz Aldrin and Harrison Ford, will now take place in spring 2025.

🛩️ Delta Air Lines is celebrating its 100th anniversary in style by rewarding its employees with a whopping $1.4 billion bonus, marking one of the highest profit-sharing payouts in the airline's history. The bonus, which represents about 10% of eligible earnings, averages five weeks of additional pay for employees and will be distributed on February 14. This generous gesture comes after Delta posted a record-setting December quarter and a total operating revenue of $57 billion in 2024.

🛩️ Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket successfully reached orbit on its maiden flight, marking a significant achievement for the company. Powered by seven BE-4 engines, the 320-foot rocket achieved its goal despite a minor issue with the booster’s descent. This success sets the stage for future missions, including NASA collaborations and commercial launches, as Blue Origin continues to expand its space capabilities.

🛩️ SpaceX’s Starship went up in flames during its latest test flight, causing a few flight diversions but leaving the company with a silver lining—another successful booster catch. Despite the fiery setback, the company successfully caught the Super Heavy booster for the second time, a major milestone in their reusable rocket efforts.

PilotTube

Get to know new AOPA President and CEO Darren Pleasance. Darren is the association’s sixth chief executive and brings a wealth of aviation and business experience.

Interested in Sponsoring This Newsletter?
Email me at [email protected] to get your business featured in an upcoming edition.

Have an Aircraft I Can Film?
I’m on the lookout for airplanes to review for the Flybuyer YouTube channel (coming soon). If you own, fly or have access to a piston, turbine, business jet, helicopter, seaplane, bush plane, warbird or blimp I can film, please fill out this form!

Follow @flybuyer on Instagram!