Boeing, the renowned aircraft manufacturer, has encountered yet another setback with its 737 jets. The company reported a problem with fuselages that could potentially delay the delivery of around 50 aircraft. This issue comes as another blow to the manufacturer's reputation in terms of quality control.
In a letter addressed to Boeing staff, CEO Stan Deal acknowledged that a worker at its supplier, Spirit AeroSystems, had discovered misdrilled holes in the fuselages of Boeing Max jets. Spirit AeroSystems, based in Wichita, Kansas, plays a significant role in manufacturing these fuselages. Deal reassured employees and the public that this issue does not pose an immediate safety concern, and all existing 737s can continue to operate safely.
However, Deal stated that the company anticipates needing to perform rework on approximately 50 undelivered planes due to this potential flaw. The problem was initially identified by an employee at Spirit AeroSystems who noticed that two holes may not have been drilled according to the specified specifications.
This recent incident adds to the mounting scrutiny Boeing and Spirit AeroSystems have been facing regarding the quality of their work. Just last month, an Alaska Airlines 737 Max 9 was forced to make an emergency landing after a door plug blew out of the side of the plane shortly after takeoff from Portland, Oregon. Investigations by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are currently underway to determine the cause of the accident and whether Boeing and its suppliers adhered to appropriate quality control procedures.
As part of the ongoing investigation into the incident, both Alaska Airlines and United Airlines, the only other U.S. airline operating the Max 9, inspected their planes and uncovered loose hardware in other door plugs. Consequently, the FAA promptly grounded all Max 9s in the United States. Following a comprehensive inspection and maintenance process that received approval from the FAA two weeks later, Alaska Airlines and United Airlines have begun returning some of these aircraft to service.
In addition to the fuselage issue, Boeing announced last week that it withdrew a request for a safety exemption related to its new, smaller model of the 737 Max airliner. The company had sought regulatory permission to deliver its 737 Max 7 airliner to customers, even though it did not meet a safety standard designed to prevent a part of the engine housing from overheating and breaking off during flight. This decision showcases Boeing's commitment to ensuring the highest safety standards for its aircraft.
Boeing is headquartered in Renton, Washington, and has been actively working to address these recent challenges. The company remains dedicated to rectifying any potential flaws in its aircraft, prioritizing customer safety, and rebuilding trust in its products.
