Boeing faces new production issues with 737 Max
Quality issues in 737 Max fuselages expose Boeing to new delivery delays and intensify the focus on manufacturing standard
Boeing faces fresh obstacles in its 737 Max program due to mis-drilled holes on some fuselages, leading to potential delays in aircraft deliveries.
This setback adds to the existing scrutiny over Boeing’s manufacturing processes following a recent incident with an Alaska Airlines flight involving a 737 Max model.
The supplier Spirit AeroSystems discovered the flaw, which affected approximately 50 undelivered planes. An employee at Spirit AeroSystems reported the issue, noticing that two holes drilled in a window frame did not meet Boeing’s stringent requirements.
This quality control issue comes at a challenging time for Boeing, as the company has been under close observation since the Jan. 5 incident when a door plug blew out of a 737 Max 9, forcing an emergency return to Portland. While no serious injuries occurred, the incident raised concerns about Boeing’s safety protocols.
The head of Emirates Airlines, Sir Tim Clark, expressed significant concerns regarding Boeing’s current situation. In a Financial Times interview, he emphasized the need for Boeing to prioritize safety and review its manufacturing processes, suggesting that the company’s focus had shifted.
Describing their preoccupations, he said, “‘What is the return on investment? What is the bottom line? What is the free cashflow? What is the shareholder value? What is the share value? What is my bonus?’ No, that will come if you do it right in the first place.”
Boeing confirmed the need for additional work on the undelivered airplanes but reassured that the existing 737s could continue safe operation. Boeing Commercial Airplanes CEO Stan Deal, in a letter to staff, stated that this issue was not an immediate flight safety concern.
Investigators are also probing the Alaska Airlines incident, with an interim report expected soon. Meanwhile, Boeing has urged its suppliers to enhance quality checks, highlighting the importance of meeting the required specifications.
Source: Newsroom
