Boeing’s new head of airplanes, Stephanie Pope, addressed staff this week, emphasizing the importance of rebuilding trust and improving operations following the 737 Max crisis. Pope’s appointment comes as part of a larger reshuffle of Boeing’s management team. Dave Calhoun, the current CEO, also announced his departure by year’s end, adding to the changes at the aerospace company.
Pope expressed the significance of the company’s current situation, calling it a “pivotal moment.” She highlighted the need for serious efforts to regain trust from regulators and customers alike. As the newly appointed CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Pope outlined plans to enhance safety and quality in the coming weeks.
In a separate communication, Calhoun referred to a recent incident involving an Alaska Airlines Flight as a “watershed moment” for Boeing. The National Transportation Safety Board revealed that the mishap was caused by missing bolts in a door panel. Regulators have since increased pressure on Boeing to make significant improvements in their manufacturing processes.
FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker underscored the importance of safety and quality in Boeing’s operations. Whitaker’s recent visit to Boeing facilities further highlighted the need for enhanced focus on these aspects. He issued a 90-day deadline for Boeing to develop a comprehensive action plan addressing systemic quality-control concerns identified in a production audit.
As Boeing navigates through these challenges, Pope emphasized the company’s commitment to prioritizing safety and quality above all else. She emphasized the need for active listening and feedback from the team to drive improvements across the board. With a renewed focus on these key areas, Boeing aims to exceed expectations and regain confidence from stakeholders.