The recent incident with a Boeing 737 MAX has far-reaching consequences for the US aircraft manufacturer. The aviation regulator FAA has found problems with production quality control.
The US aviation regulator FAA has reprimanded Boeing for deficiencies in quality control. After a part of the fuselage broke out of a 737-9 MAX during climb at the beginning of January, the FAA investigated quality control at Boeing production.
The FAA said there were violations of regulations, among other things, in the monitoring of production, the handling of components and product control. Violations were also found at fuselage supplier Spirit AeroSystems.
No one was seriously injured in the incident involving an Alaska Airlines plane with more than 170 people on board – coincidentally, the two seats directly at the opening were empty. The accident investigation authority NTSB assumes that four fastening bolts were missing from the part.
Conversations about Reintegration from Spirit
Boeing had previously had to stop deliveries of the aircraft type for weeks and carry out months of rework due to production defects at Spirit AeroSystems. Last week, Boeing confirmed talks about taking over the company, which was once part of the group for decades.
Recently, an expert commission appointed by the FAA criticized weaknesses in Boeing’s quality management after an investigation lasting several months. In the commercial aircraft division, for example, she did not find a uniform and clear way for employees to report quality defects.
Major order from American Airlines
Despite the serious problems, Boeing received a large order from prestigious customer American Airlines on Monday. The US airline ordered 85 Boeing 737-10 MAX aircraft. This is a big vote of confidence, especially since Boeing cannot say when the aircraft will be certified after the recent turbulence.