Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun and other top company leaders are set to meet with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in order to present a detailed quality improvement plan. This plan is aimed at addressing concerns regarding staff training and production practices at Boeing factories, following a concerning incident earlier this year involving a 737 Max 9 airplane door panel.
The FAA mandated that Boeing come up with a quality improvement plan within 90 days after a near-catastrophic blowout of an airplane door panel on a new 737 Max 9. Federal safety investigators discovered that bolts holding the panel in place were not properly installed before the plane was delivered to Alaska Airlines. As a result, the FAA restricted Boeing from increasing 737 Max production until significant quality control improvements were implemented.
Challenges Faced by Boeing
The crisis surrounding the airplane door panel incident has had far-reaching implications for Boeing. The company’s reputation has suffered, leading to increased federal scrutiny and a necessity to slow down production of the 737 Max. This slowdown has caused delays for airline customers like United and Southwest, impacting their growth plans. Boeing’s Chief Financial Officer, Brian West, has even indicated that the company expects to burn cash rather than generate it this year.
Long-term Plans and Expectations
Despite the implementation of a 90-day plan to address quality issues, Boeing executives have tempered expectations. They have emphasized that this plan is just the beginning and will not lead to an immediate turnaround. The company is prepared to receive feedback following the meeting with the FAA and is committed to making necessary improvements.
During the meeting with the FAA, Boeing is expected to outline the specifics of its quality improvement plan. This may include enhancements to staff training, such as simplified instructions for mechanics and ensuring tool availability. Additionally, Boeing is likely to discuss efforts to reduce “traveled work,” where tasks on the planes are completed out of sequence. The manufacturer may also elaborate on its factory “stand-downs,” which involve pausing work to discuss potential production line improvements with employees.
Boeing is facing significant challenges in the wake of the airplane door panel incident. The company’s meeting with the FAA to present its quality improvement plan is crucial for restoring trust and ensuring the safety and reliability of its aircraft. It remains to be seen how Boeing’s proposed changes will be received and whether they will be sufficient to address the FAA’s concerns.