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Boeing focuses on safety improvements amid ongoing program delays

Boeing focuses on safety improvements amid ongoing program delays
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Aviation International News | Aviation International News

Boeing has made its presence felt at the Farnborough International Airshow 2024 with a cross-section mockup of its new 777X cabin. However, its commercial airliners were absent from both static and flying displays this year. At the previous show in 2022, Boeing had showcased its 737 Max 10 and a flight test example of the 777-9.

This year, Boeing Commercial Airplanes (BCA) chose to focus on a safety and quality action plan mandated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) following incidents involving the 737 Max family. After an incident on January 5, where a mid-exit door plug blew out of an Alaska Airlines 737 Max 9 shortly after takeoff, the FAA launched an investigation into Boeing's production lines. In February, it ordered Boeing to create an action plan to address systemic quality-control deficiencies.

In response, Boeing has begun overhauling its quality-control processes across all manufacturing facilities. The company aims to simplify processes, enhance training programs, and increase supplier oversight. Employees are encouraged to report safety concerns openly.

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At the Renton factory in Washington, weekly shutdowns allow employees to discuss safety issues with supervisors. A new digitized system tracks parts and tools on the production line, ensuring no parts are left behind—an issue linked to the door plug fallout.

The door plug incident was part of ongoing problems with Spirit AeroSystems' supplied fuselages for Boeing's 737 Max models. "The lessons we have learned as a result have reshaped our company," said Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun in reference to past incidents.

Elizabeth Lund, BCA senior vice president of quality, highlighted that current challenges differ from past engineering issues: "This was really the manufacturing side of the house." Investigators found that missing paperwork contributed to errors during repairs at Renton factory last September.

Lund's comments led to criticism from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), which is investigating the door plug incident. Tim LeBaron from NTSB stated that Boeing violated terms by releasing non-public information without approval. The NTSB plans further actions against Boeing for mishandling investigative information.

While addressing safety concerns and potential legal issues, Boeing faces delays in certifying its aircraft models like the 737 Max 7 and Max 10 and the 777X due to increased regulatory scrutiny post-Max crashes.

Despite setbacks, Ted Grady from Boeing reported progress with over 3,500 flight hours logged by June for certification testing of their aircraft fleet.

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