The acting head of Europe's aviation authority said on Wednesday that it would revoke its indirect approval of Boeing's aircraft production if necessary, but he is reassured that Boeing is handling its most recent safety issue.
Acting executive director of the European Union Aviation Safety Agency, Luc Tytgat, made the first public statement in an interview, indicating that the ongoing crisis was testing the international cooperation that underpins the world's aviation industry, as it is very rare.
In response to a question on whether or not EASA would cease accepting American manufacturing safety certifications attesting to the safety of Boeing aircraft, Tytgat said yes if necessary.
Boeing has been under increasing scrutiny about factory quality control after a 737 MAX 9 plane's door plug broke apart in midair on January 5, an incident that was attributed to missing bolts.
A review of Boeing and its supplier Spirit AeroSystems revealed several instances of poor control, according to a report released by the US Federal Aviation Administration last week.
The FAA and EASA have a transatlantic agreement that allows them to monitor the factories of Airbus and Boeing, the two major airplane manufacturers, and to recognize each other's safety certifications.
Still, one party may request consultations and, should those fail, stop recognition after a 30-day break if it loses confidence with the other's compliance inspections.
These kinds of actions are rare.
According to Tytgat, all of the tools need to be ready for use as soon as they see a circumstance or justification that calls for them to take the necessary action, though he added that no such move was imminent.
EASA's impact on Boeing aircraft design has increased in the wake of the MAX tragedies, but other than the dramatic measure of suspending recognition, it has very little alternative choice for stepping up its monitoring of the manufacturing of current Boeing models.
The FAA did not immediately respond to the EASA's remarks, but a representative restated the agency's previous statements that Boeing has to make significant and genuine improvements.
Boeing chose not to respond.
Reassured after meeting with Boeing
However, Tytgat did not think that Boeing's production certification was in danger right now.
Tytgat said that he had a conversation on Friday with senior executives from Boeing that was reassuring. He saw that the management has changed and claimed that production quality control has been given a lot of weight, and he was much reassured by the top management's willingness to make changes.
Last week, EASA representatives paid a visit to Boeing's 737 factory. However, Tytgat disregarded a long-term presence, claiming that it would not adhere to the principles of the transatlantic safety accord.
FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker declared on Monday that the organization will act should it determine that Boeing production has to be stopped.
According to experts, if the two most influential aviation regulators in the world decide to reverse their permission for Boeing or Airbus aircraft production, it would be a significant step towards addressing the safety issue and might potentially trigger political reactions.