Facing Scrutiny Over Quality Control, Boeing Withdraws Request for Safety Exemption

SEATTLE—Facing severe criticism after a door plug blew out on a 737 Max over Oregon this month, Boeing said Monday that it is withdrawing a request for a safety exemption needed to certify a new model of the plane. The company asked federal regulators late last year to allow it to begin delivering its 737 Max 7 airliner to customers even though it does not meet a safety standard designed to prevent part of the engine housing from overheating and breaking off during flight. But after a door panel blew out on a different version of the plane—a Max 9—leaving a gaping hole in the fuselage of an Alaska Airlines flight out of Portland, Oregon, on Jan. 5, the company’s quality control and commitment to safety have been questioned....