An FAA audit of Boeing and Boeing supplier Spirit AeroSystems found multiple instances in which the companies failed to comply with quality-control standards on the 737 Max 9 production line.
The FAA said it identified noncompliance issues in Boeing's manufacturing process control, parts handling and storage, and product control.
The audit is part of an investigation launched by the agency following the blowout of an exit door plug on an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 Max 9 aircraft during a flight on Jan. 5.
Boeing must act on audit's findings
According to the FAA, agency administrator Mike Whitaker informed Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun and other company leaders during a meeting last week in Washington that Boeing must address the audit's findings as part of its comprehensive corrective action plan to fix systemic quality-control issues.
The FAA said that it has given Boeing 90 days to outline its action plan. The agency also said that it will continue to maintain an increased presence at Boeing's manufacturing facility in Renton, Wash., and at Spirit AeroSystems' facility in Wichita, Kan.
Boeing didn't provide a new statement Tuesday. But following that meeting with FAA leaders last week, Calhoun said the company would "develop the comprehensive action plan with measurable criteria that demonstrates the profound change that administrator Whitaker and the FAA demand."