FAA needs to ensure adequate safety metrics before Boeing 737 MAX production can grow - agency

The head of the Federal Aviation Administration said Tuesday the agency must ensure the planemaker's safety processes are adequate before it will lift its 737 MAX production cap.

FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker said he raised the issue with Boeing's new chief executive Kelly Ortberg in their first conversation and wants to ensure the planemaker follows through on its quality turnaround plan.

"There have been comprehensive plans before, so I think the goal now is we really need to make sure that that's executed," Whitaker said at an industry conference. "We've capped production -- that was my first conversation with the new CEO. We need to make sure the safety metrics are exactly where they need to be to grow."