Question: How many planes were allowed to be operated commercially although not in compliance with FAA safety regulations?

Is "This was validated by a report by the Department of Transportation which found FAA managers had allowed Southwest Airlines to fly 46 airplanes in 2006 and 2007 that were overdue for safety inspections, ignoring concerns raised by inspectors." the correct answer?
OPT:
(a). yes;
(b). no;
(b).