United Airlines Says It’s Disappointed in Boeing

The jet manufacturer has outlined steps for production improvement.

Tuesday, January 23, 2024 at 05:50 PM ET

Verified

The CEO of United Airlines has expressed disappointment in Boeing's quality control and ability to keep delivery dates. [Courtesy: United Airlines]

Key Takeaways:

United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby expressed extreme frustration with Boeing's recurring quality control issues and significant delays, particularly for the 737 Max 10, citing the recent Alaska Airlines door plug incident as a breaking point.
Due to these delays, United is now planning fleet expansion without relying on the delayed 737 Max 10 and is exploring alternatives, likely from Airbus.
Boeing's CEO apologized and announced immediate actions to address quality, including enhanced inspections and an independent review of its quality management system.
Retired Admiral Kirkland Donald, a renowned expert in nuclear safety, has been appointed to lead the comprehensive assessment of Boeing's commercial airplane quality processes.

See a mistake? Contact us.

When a supplier you need fails to deliver a quality product, there is always the option of taking your business in another direction—even if you are United Airlines and the supplier is Boeing (NYSE: BA).

United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby said the grounding of the Boeing 737 Max 9 after a door plug blew out on Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 earlier this month represents the proverbial “straw that broke the camel’s back.”