Boeing has announced that it is facing delivery delays on a “significant number” of its 737 MAX planes due to a production issue. The problem was identified during the installation of fittings on the rear of the plane, which did not follow the standard procedure. Boeing has assured its customers that this issue does not pose an immediate safety risk and that the fleet currently in service can continue to operate safely. The manufacturing issue affects the 737 MAX family of planes, which includes the MAX 7, MAX 8, and MAX 8200 models, as well as the P-8 Poseidon maritime surveillance aircraft.
Boeing has notified the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) of the problem and is working to conduct inspections and replace non-conforming fittings as needed. Customers, however, have been warned that they should expect lower deliveries until the necessary work is completed. This is the latest in a string of setbacks for the company as the aviation industry struggles with a jet shortage.
The increased demand for planes has resulted from the high demand for air travel since the lifting of Covid-19 restrictions. Boeing reported an increase in new jetliner deliveries in the first quarter of 2023, with many of the new planes being the 737 Max model purchased by US carriers Southwest Airlines and United Airlines.
The recent delays are yet another setback for Boeing, which has been working to rebuild its reputation since its 737 Max passenger jet was grounded worldwide for more than a year following two fatal accidents that killed 346 people. Both accidents were later discovered to be the result of design flaws in its flight control software.
Following the announcement of the delivery delays, the company’s stock dropped by more than 5% in after-hours trading. Following the discovery of a problem with its data analysis, US transportation regulators cleared Boeing to resume deliveries of its widebody 787 Dreamliner last month. The deliveries were halted in February after the problem was discovered by the aircraft manufacturer.
Finally, due to a production issue affecting the 737 MAX family of planes as well as the P-8 Poseidon maritime surveillance aircraft, Boeing is facing significant delivery delays on a significant number of its 737 MAX planes. While the company has assured its customers that this issue does not pose an immediate safety risk, it has warned of reduced deliveries until the necessary work is completed. These new delays are a setback for Boeing, which has been working to regain its footing since the grounding of its 737 Max passenger jet following two fatal accidents caused by design flaws in its flight control software.
