Staff Reports
The recent Boeing 737 Max jet scandal has brought to light a slew of issues within Boeing's facilities and its primary supplier. Following a concerning incident in January where a door unexpectedly detached from a 737 Max 9 mid-flight, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) conducted a thorough six-week audit, revealing a troubling array of problems.
The audit unearthed numerous issues in the production of these aircraft, fueling public skepticism and concern. With customers and regulators questioning the integrity of Boeing's planes, confidence in the 737 Max 9 has taken a significant hit.
FAA audit into Boeing 737 Max production reveals ‘dozens of problems’https://t.co/u0Bk39fxzw
— Maureen H Sullivan (@MaureenHSulliv2) March 13, 2024
Adding to the gravity of the situation, Boeing and its supplier, Spirit AeroSystems, received less-than-ideal grades in product audits. Boeing passed only 56 out of 89 audits, while Spirit AeroSystems managed only six passing grades out of 13 audits. Clearly, both companies have significant room for improvement.
Further exacerbating the situation, FAA regulators observed questionable practices, including the use of unconventional items like hotel key cards and dish soap during inspections. Such practices raise serious doubts about the commitment to quality and safety standards.
In response to these findings, Spirit AeroSystems has pledged to address identified nonconformities promptly. Meanwhile, the Department of Justice (DOJ) has initiated a criminal investigation into the January door detachment incident, examining whether Boeing breached a previous settlement agreement related to 737 Max crashes.
The National Transportation Safety Board's accusation that Boeing failed to provide records of the incident further compounds Boeing's troubles. Boeing's assertion that the documents didn't exist raises eyebrows, given the severity of the event.
Amidst the chaos, the FAA has given Boeing a 90-day ultimatum to rectify its shortcomings. Boeing is scrambling to enhance quality control measures and is contemplating the acquisition of Spirit AeroSystems. This potential reunion between the two companies, after a contentious split in 2005, might be the catalyst needed to revamp their operations and restore confidence in their products.
