Seattle | November 5, 2025 — Business & Aviation Update
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has launched a new investigation into Boeing Co. following an incident involving one of its 787 Dreamliner aircraft, reigniting concerns over the aerospace giant’s safety protocols and manufacturing practices.
The probe comes as Boeing grapples with production slowdowns, ongoing labor strikes, and renewed pressure from investors after repeated setbacks in its commercial aircraft division.
“The FAA is reviewing operational data and flight records to determine whether any systemic manufacturing issues are involved,” the agency said in a statement.
Dreamliner Incident Sparks Safety Review
According to early reports, a Dreamliner operated by a major international carrier experienced a midair systems alert last week, prompting a precautionary diversion.
While no injuries were reported, aviation analysts say the event raises concerns about Boeing’s quality control amid ongoing supply chain and workforce disruptions.
Boeing said in a brief statement that it is “cooperating fully with the FAA review” and is providing technical data and engineering assessments to assist investigators.
Shares Slip as Production Delays Deepen
Boeing’s stock fell 2.6% in pre-market trading on Wednesday after news of the FAA probe broke, extending a 10% decline over the past month.
Investors are increasingly worried that the combination of regulatory scrutiny and manufacturing slowdowns could derail Boeing’s efforts to stabilize deliveries in 2025.
Production delays have affected both the 787 Dreamliner and 737 MAX lines, with suppliers citing component shortages and reduced output at Everett and North Charleston facilities.
Labor Strikes Add to Mounting Pressure
Compounding Boeing’s challenges, more than 15,000 machinists and technicians at its Washington and South Carolina plants remain on strike, demanding higher wages and job security guarantees.
Union leaders accuse Boeing of prioritizing cost cuts over safety, while the company maintains that wage talks are “ongoing and constructive.”
“We’re fighting for safe working conditions and fair pay — not just for workers, but for passengers’ safety too,” said IAM District 751 President Jon Holden.
The strike has already delayed several Dreamliner and 737 deliveries to major global airlines, adding to Boeing’s growing backlog.
Regulatory and Industry Fallout
The FAA’s renewed investigation follows a string of safety-related reviews of Boeing’s commercial division since 2024, including the door plug incident and earlier fuselage gap inspections.
Industry analysts say the latest probe could delay future certifications, including for Boeing’s next-generation 787-10X variant.
Aviation consultant Richard Aboulafia noted:
“Boeing’s biggest challenge isn’t technology — it’s consistency. Every incident erodes confidence in its management and processes.”
Global Supply Chain and Competitor Outlook
Boeing’s European rival Airbus SE continues to outpace it in deliveries, with analysts projecting a 25% lead by the end of 2025.
Supply chain disruptions, particularly involving titanium imports and electronic components, remain a critical bottleneck for both manufacturers.
Despite setbacks, Boeing insists its long-term fundamentals remain strong, citing $520 billion in backlogged orders and new defense contracts with the U.S. Air Force and NASA.
What’s Next
The FAA has not specified a timeline for its investigation but stated that any findings “will be made public in the interest of safety transparency.”
Boeing’s leadership is expected to address the incident and strike negotiations during its upcoming Q4 earnings call later this month.
