Boeing Bolstering Its Quality Inspections

The company's Commercial Airplane Division is focusing on quality assurance of the 737 production line.

Tuesday, January 16, 2024 at 09:56 AM ET

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Boeing Commercial CEO Stan Deal told employees about the efforts to go above and beyond to improve quality of the 737 series. [Courtesy: NTSB]

Key Takeaways:

Boeing is implementing immediate, self-mandated actions to address critical quality concerns in 737 Max 9 production, beyond those required by the FAA, following a recent in-flight incident.
These measures include significantly increasing inspections throughout its own factories and at supplier Spirit AeroSystems, including deploying teams for direct oversight of door plug installations.
The company plans to bolster its Quality Management System (QMS) by investing more in quality functions, enhancing training, and commissioning an external review.
Boeing will also increase transparency and collaboration by opening its factories to 737 Max 9 operators for additional oversight inspections.

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In a message to employees, Boeing Commercial Airplanes president and CEO Stan Deal announced “immediate actions” the company is taking to address the concerns about quality in 737 Max 9 production in addition to those mandated by the FAA.

“These actions are separate from the FAA’s investigation and the agency’s plan to increase oversight of 737-9 production,” Deal said. “We will cooperate fully and transparently with both as we work to restore trust with our regulator and our customers. And as the National Transportation Safety Board’s investigation proceeds, we will take additional steps to improve our practices as the facts and findings dictate.