US Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao has formally directed an internal watchdog office to audit the certification process for Boeing’s 737 MAX 8 aircraft following recent deadly crashes.
Chao’s request comes amid reports US authorities have also launched a criminal probe into the certification of the top-selling jet, which has been grounded around the world.
Nearly 350 people have died aboard 737 MAX 8 aircraft in crashes less than five months apart in Indonesia and Ethiopia, with the most recent occurring on March 10 outside Addis Ababa.
Preliminary reports have identified similarities between the two crashes, in which the planes plunged to earth shortly after take-off.
