Boeing has announced that a recent manufacturing flaw discovered on its popular 737 Max aircraft will lead to delays in deliveries of this highly sought-after plane. This setback adds to the series of challenges the company has faced while attempting to increase aircraft deliveries.
The flaw pertains to incorrectly drilled fastener holes on the aft pressure bulkhead of some 737 planes. Spirit Aerosystems, the manufacturer of the fuselages, clarified that only a portion of the units are affected due to their use of multiple suppliers for the aft pressure bulkhead.
Boeing has acknowledged that this issue will impact the immediate delivery schedule of 737 aircraft. The company is presently conducting thorough inspections to ascertain the extent of the problem and will carry out necessary corrective work on the affected planes. However, unaffected 737 Max aircraft will continue to be delivered without disruption.
This defect joins a series of manufacturing issues that Boeing has revealed, affecting not only the Max program but also other projects. These problems arise as Boeing endeavors to boost production to cater to heightened demand from airlines facing a shortage of planes amidst a travel upsurge. Recently, Boeing disclosed its intention to increase production from 31 to 38 planes per month.
Despite this complication, Boeing has not clarified whether this new problem will alter its projection to deliver between 400 and 450 Max jets in the current year.
Spirit Aerosystems, the fuselage supplier, has reassured that it will maintain its deliveries to Boeing. The company is collaborating closely with Boeing to manage the impacted units within the production system and address any required adjustments. As per their current understanding, they believe this issue will not significantly affect their delivery estimates for the year.
Up to July of this year, Boeing has handed over 309 aircraft to customers. However, this lags behind rival Airbus, which delivered 381 planes in the same time frame.
Boeing has emphasized that this issue does not pose a risk to flight safety, and airlines can continue operating the affected planes. The company has also informed the Federal Aviation Administration about the matter.
As a result of this news, Boeing’s shares experienced a decline of approximately 3% during after-hours trading.
(Source: Leslie Joseph | CNBC)
