New Quality-Control Problem Emerges for Boeing 737 Max

Boeing to delay 50 737 Max deliveries due to a quality-control issue with improperly drilled holes, not an immediate safety concern.

 

Boeing is set to postpone the delivery of approximately 50 737 Max aircraft due to a new quality-control issue that has come to light. Stan Deal, the head of Boeing's commercial airplanes division, informed staff through a memo that a supplier reported a discrepancy involving two holes on some 737 Max planes that were not drilled according to precise specifications. Although this issue is not deemed an immediate threat to flight safety, allowing 737s to continue operating safely, it necessitates rework on about 50 planes that are yet to be delivered.

The specific supplier involved was not disclosed by Boeing, but reports from various media sources have identified Spirit AeroSystems as the company in question. Spirit AeroSystems plays a significant role in the 737 Max's production, contributing to about 70% of each aircraft, including the delivery of fuselages to Boeing.

In response to the situation, Spirit AeroSystems acknowledged the identification of a non-conforming issue by their team, which does not meet engineering standards. The company has initiated immediate corrective actions to determine and apply the necessary repairs, maintaining close communication with Boeing to resolve the matter.

Boeing is in the process of finalizing rework instructions for the airplanes affected by this issue and will continue the delivery of 737 Max aircraft that do not have this problem.

This development adds to the scrutiny Boeing faces, especially following an incident on January 5, where an exit door plug on a 737 Max 9 operated by Alaska Airlines blew out during flight. The missing door plug, which lacked four essential bolts, was later found in the yard of a Portland-area resident, raising concerns over the aircraft's quality control and safety measures.