Boeing and Spirit Inspections Expand for 737 Max Defect
Boeing and Spirit Expand Inspections
Shares in Boeing plummeted after the aircraft manufacturer announced an expansion of inspections alongside supplier Spirit Aerosystems. The inspections are focused on a production defect found in the 737 Max 8 jet.
New Quality Issue Discovered
In August, Boeing first reported a quality issue with the 737 Max aircraft, revealing a problem related to improperly drilled holes on the aft pressure bulkhead. The issue was traced back to an automated drill used by supplier Spirit.
Further Investigation into Hand-Drilled Holes
According to trade publication The Air Current, the expanded inspections now include hand-drilled holes. Boeing has emphasized the need for thorough inspections to ensure compliance with standards and regulations before ticketing and delivery.
Collaboration between Boeing and Spirit
Spirit Aerosystems confirmed that it continues to work closely with Boeing on addressing the defect. The shares of Spirit also experienced a decline following the announcement.
Deliveries Impacted
Boeing reported a significant drop in deliveries of its 737 Max planes in September, reaching the lowest level in over two years. The decrease is attributed to disruptions caused by the fuselage issue with Spirit. Currently, Boeing’s production is operating at approximately half of its target.
