FARNBOROUGH- American planemaker Boeing initiates major changes based on feedback from customers, regulators, and employees. These changes aim to boost 737 airliner production in the second half of the year after a slowdown to address manufacturing issues.
Stephanie Pope, the new head of Boeing’s commercial aircraft business, revealed this information in her first public appearance since taking the role.
Boeing 737 Revival Plans
Pope reports improvements in the 737 factory flow, which will enable a significant increase in production rates for this critical aircraft model. However, she warns that some aspects of the company’s turnaround will require years to complete. The company’s focus on transformational change stems from a need to address various concerns raised by stakeholders.
Boeing’s efforts to ramp up production come after a period of reduced output to fix manufacturing problems. This development is crucial for Boeing, as the 737 is its most important airliner.
Boeing works to recover from a January crisis involving a 737 aircraft incident. Stephanie Pope, the new commercial aircraft business head, focuses on listening and developing a turnaround plan. This plan includes safety and quality improvements, factory stabilization, and cultural changes.
Pope reports strong customer support and emphasizes Boeing’s commitment to learning from mistakes. She took on her current role following the January incident, which involved a fuselage panel blow-out on a 737 in flight.
Searching for a New CEO
CEO Dave Calhoun plans to leave by year-end, with the company searching for his replacement. Pope avoids discussing the next leader’s responsibilities, stating the board conducts a thorough search.
She emphasizes that effective leadership requires engaging with people, ensuring accountability, and creating a plan for US regulators that drives significant change. Boeing’s efforts aim to address safety concerns and restore confidence in its aircraft production.
Scrutiny from FAA
Boeing faces ongoing scrutiny from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). FAA inspectors maintain a strong presence in Boeing factories. Stephanie Pope, head of Boeing’s commercial aircraft business, describes the FAA’s approach as “firm and fair.”
Boeing submitted a 90-day safety and quality plan to the FAA following the Max grounding. Pope clarifies this plan extends beyond the initial three-month period. At a pre-Farnborough Air Show briefing, Boeing Defense chief Ted Colbert addressed his division’s challenges.
Despite a profitable first quarter, Colbert expects results similar to the third quarter of 2023, when the unit reported a loss of nearly $1 billion. These developments highlight Boeing’s efforts to address safety concerns and improve performance across its divisions.
737 MAX Icing Issue Fix
Boeing finalizes design to fix engine anti-ice system issues on 737 MAX 7. The problem could cause overheating and potential engine failure. Stephanie Pope, Boeing’s commercial airplane chief, reports progress on engineering solutions.
A fix might be completed by early to mid-2025, though no formal timeline is set. Boeing withdrew its FAA exemption request for the MAX 7 in January after the Alaska Airlines (AS) MAX 9 incident. This withdrawal delayed potential certification to 2025 or later.
Senator Tammy Duckworth urged Boeing to drop the exemption, citing passenger safety concerns. The FAA promises a thorough review of Boeing’s new design. Boeing states no safety incidents related to engine inlet overheating have occurred in MAX 8 and MAX 9 planes currently in service.
The company’s ability to resolve these issues quickly and effectively will be crucial for the 737 MAX 7’s certification and Boeing’s reputation in the aviation industry.
Boeing provided airlines with guidance on using the MAX’s engine anti-ice system in June 2023. This guidance aimed to prevent potential overheating issues. The FAA enforced these procedures in August 2023, requiring airlines to turn off the anti-ice system when not needed.
Southwest Airlines (WN), the largest customer for the MAX 7, has postponed its expected deliveries beyond 2024. This delay reflects the ongoing certification challenges faced by Boeing. The company must first secure FAA approval for the MAX 7 before it can proceed with certifying the larger MAX 10 model.
The MAX 10 is a more popular variant in Boeing’s 737 MAX lineup. These developments highlight the ripple effects of the certification delays on Boeing’s production plans and customer relationships.
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