Wichita, Kansas – Boeing has announced plans to rework around 50 of its 737 Max jets after discovering misdrilled holes on some fuselages, the latest in a series of production issues for the aircraft. The commercial airplanes chief Stan Deal assured employees that the misdrilled holes do not pose immediate safety concerns and will not affect operational jets. However, the company believes it is necessary to “rework” the undelivered airplanes to ensure they meet Boeing’s commitment to delivering flawless aircraft.
The issue came to light when an employee at Spirit AeroSystems, located in Wichita, notified Boeing of the misdrilled holes in the fuselages. This prompted a broader inspection at Boeing, and both companies are now working closely to address the issue.
Boeing’s 737 Max has been under increased scrutiny following a recent incident where a door plug blew out during an Alaska Airlines flight. This led to the Federal Aviation Administration grounding over 100 jets, causing financial repercussions for airlines such as Alaska and United. The company’s reputation has been marred by safety concerns, particularly since the grounding of the 737 Max fleet for over a year following two fatal crashes in 2019.
As a result of the more recent problems with the Max, Boeing has dedicated several days at its Renton, Wash., factory to focus on quality, including inspecting the undelivered airplanes. The company is committed to addressing these issues and ensuring the safety and reliability of its aircraft.
Boeing’s announcement of the need to rework 737 Max jets comes as a blow to the company’s efforts to regain the trust of regulators and the public. With ongoing efforts to address safety concerns and meet stringent quality standards, Boeing is facing significant challenges in restoring its credibility in the aviation industry.