Boeing flags potential delays after supplier finds another problem
Boeing has alerted about potential delivery delays for approximately 50 aircraft after its supplier discovered a new problem with fuselages on its 737 jets. Spirit AeroSystems, based in Wichita, Kansas, is responsible for manufacturing a significant portion of the fuselages on Boeing Max jets.
In a letter to Boeing staff, Boeing Commercial Airplanes CEO Stan Deal revealed that a worker at the supplier identified misdrilled holes in the fuselages. Deal emphasized that while this issue does not pose an immediate safety concern and all 737s can continue to operate safely, rework will need to be conducted on approximately 50 undelivered planes.
This latest setback comes at a time when both Boeing and Spirit AeroSystems are under scrutiny over the quality of their work. The incident followed an emergency landing of an Alaska Airlines 737 Max 9 on January 5, after a door plug panel blew out shortly after takeoff from Portland, Oregon. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is currently investigating the accident, while the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is conducting its own inquiry into whether Boeing and its suppliers adhered to quality-control procedures.
Following the incident, Alaska Airlines and United Airlines, the only U.S. carriers operating the Max 9, reported finding loose hardware in door plugs of other inspected planes. As a result, the FAA grounded all Max 9s in the U.S., but subsequently approved an inspection and maintenance process for their return to service. Both Alaska Airlines and United Airlines have already begun reintroducing some of the aircraft.
Meanwhile, Boeing recently withdrew a safety exemption request needed to certify a new, smaller model of the 737 Max airliner. The request, made in late 2020, aimed to allow delivery of the 737 Max 7 airliners to customers, even though they do not meet a safety standard designed to prevent part of the engine housing from overheating and breaking off during flight.
The latest problem with the 737 fuselages adds to the mounting challenges faced by Boeing, as the company strives to regain public trust and ensure the safe operation of its aircraft. With ongoing investigations and closer scrutiny from regulatory bodies, the aviation industry will closely monitor how Boeing and its suppliers address these quality concerns.
As Boeing tackles this latest setback, the company continues to confront the impact of previous incidents, aligning with its commitment to prioritize safety and deliver reliable aircraft to its customers.
