Boeing is hitting a fresh snag in the production of its 737 Max jets, and it’s requiring a redo for about 50 planes awaiting delivery. The glitch, disclosed in a memo from Stan Deal, the head of Boeing’s commercial aircraft unit, revolves around two holes in the fuselages of the 737 Max jets that didn’t quite meet Boeing’s standards. While the memo assures that this hiccup doesn’t pose an immediate safety threat, it does mean that around 50 undelivered planes will need some rework.
This latest hiccup comes as Boeing grapples with a series of challenges over the past five years, with the most recent being a harrowing incident on a 737 Max 9 flight on January 5. During an Alaska Airlines flight, a door plug unexpectedly blew out, causing substantial damage to the plane’s side. While investigators are still piecing together the exact cause, Boeing CEO David Calhoun openly acknowledged their role, stating, “We caused the problem, and we understand that.”
The revelation about these mis-drilled holes is another hit to Boeing’s reputation, prompting a commitment from Deal to address the matter at the 737 Max factory in Renton, Washington. The memo underlines the dedication to spending several days this week on the necessary work, underscoring Boeing’s emphasis on quality, safety, and overall stability in their manufacturing facilities.
