Boeing, a leading aircraft manufacturer, has announced its plans to enhance quality inspections during the production of its 737 Max aircraft. This decision comes after the company faced intense scrutiny regarding safety failings. Additionally, Boeing has decided to open its factories for additional inspections by its airline customers. The company also plans to improve oversight of its door plug supplier, Spirit AeroSystems. These measures are aimed at addressing the recent safety issues and ensuring that Boeing meets the necessary safety standards.
Stan Deal, the CEO of Boeing’s Commercial Airplanes division, acknowledged the need for improvement in a message addressed to the company’s employees. According to him, the recent Alaska Airlines 1282 accident and customer findings have highlighted the fact that Boeing is not where it needs to be in terms of safety. Deal emphasized the importance of taking action to strengthen the company’s quality management system and its layers of protection. It is clear that Boeing understands the gravity of the situation and is committed to addressing the existing safety concerns.
To ensure greater safety, Boeing plans to increase its oversight and inspections during the production process. The company already conducts thousands of inspections on each 737 airplane, and it has recently increased its staff of quality inspectors for commercial aircraft by 20%. However, Boeing recognizes the need for additional scrutiny. As a result, the company will invest more in quality control, facilitating extra inspections throughout the building process at Boeing and Spirit AeroSystems.
Recognizing the importance of collaboration, Boeing has deployed teams to Spirit AeroSystems’ production facility in Wichita, Kansas. These teams are inspecting Spirit’s installation of Max 9 mid-door exit plugs and approving them before shipping to Boeing. In addition, Boeing is inspecting over 50 other points in Spirit’s build process, ensuring compliance with engineering specifications. This collaborative effort with Spirit AeroSystems aims to ensure that the highest standards of safety and quality are met.
In a proactive move, Boeing has opened its factories to airlines that operate 737 aircraft for additional inspections. This step allows the airline customers to review production procedures and provide valuable insights and findings. Spirit AeroSystems will also follow suit, ensuring a comprehensive assessment of the production process. By involving the customers in the inspection process, Boeing aims to gather diverse perspectives and improve its manufacturing practices.
Boeing is taking further steps to assess its quality management system. The company has appointed Kirkland Donald, a former director of the naval nuclear propulsion program, to lead an independent evaluation. This outside assessment will provide an unbiased perspective and help identify potential areas for improvement. By seeking external expertise, Boeing demonstrates its commitment to rectifying any shortcomings in its quality management system.
Boeing’s decision to increase quality inspections and open its factories for additional inspections reflects the company’s dedication to ensuring the safety of its aircraft. The scrutiny and criticism faced by Boeing have not gone unnoticed, and the company recognizes the need for improvement. By collaborating with Spirit AeroSystems, involving customers in the inspection process, and conducting an independent assessment of its quality management system, Boeing is taking concrete steps towards addressing the safety concerns associated with its aircraft. It is crucial for Boeing to prioritize safety and regain the trust of both regulators and customers. With these initiatives in place, Boeing aims to restore its reputation as a leader in the aviation industry.
Leave a Reply