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The Texas Attorney General’s office has initiated an investigation into Spirit AeroSystems, a significant supplier to Boeing, amidst ongoing concerns regarding the quality of parts it provides for aircraft manufacturing.
According to a statement from the office of Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, the investigation was prompted by “apparent manufacturing defects” in parts supplied by Spirit AeroSystems, which have resulted in numerous incidents raising safety concerns.
Responding to inquiries about the investigation, a spokesman for Spirit stated their commitment to delivering the highest quality products to all customers, including Boeing, but declined to comment further on ongoing investigations.
Attorney General Paxton has requested Spirit AeroSystems to provide documents dating back to the beginning of 2022, including communications with investors and Boeing regarding identified part flaws and any corrective measures taken by the company.
Furthermore, Paxton’s request seeks internal discussions related to Spirit’s initiatives to foster diversity in its workforce and whether such efforts have impacted manufacturing processes. Specific details requested include breakdowns of Spirit’s workforce composition by race, sexual orientation, and other factors, along with any changes observed over time.
The investigation comes in the wake of a recent incident involving a Spirit-made door-plug panel detaching from an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 MAX aircraft in January. Some conservative voices have attempted to draw connections between aviation safety and diversity initiatives at manufacturing companies.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) had already launched its investigation into Boeing Spirit following the Alaska Airlines incident. An FAA audit of Spirit’s manufacturing procedures resulted in failing grades in seven out of thirteen areas.
Boeing is reportedly in discussions to repurchase Spirit AeroSystems, a company it had spun off nearly two decades ago, as part of efforts to enhance oversight of manufacturing within its supply chain.