New Boeing Problem With 737 MAX Fuselage

A new problem found during the production of 737 MAX jets will force Boeing to rework about 50 planes that still need to be delivered. The fuselage of the jets does not meet Boeing’s requirements, according to a recent company memo.

NBC reports that the mechanical problem was shared in a memo sent to Boeing employees by Stan Deal, CEO of the company’s commercial aircraft unit.

An employee at the supplier for the company, Spirit AeroSystems, shared that two holes may not have been drilled per Boeing’s requirements. This error was enough for the company to order an immediate rework of the planes.

“While this potential condition is not an immediate safety issue and all 737s can continue operating safely, we currently believe we will have to perform rework on about 50 undelivered planes,” Deal said. His comments were shared in a letter to employees that was given to the media.

This new challenge comes on the heels of a separate incident on Jan. 5, 2024, when a door plug on an Alaska Airlines 737 MAX 9 blew out the side of a plane after takeoff. Subsequently, the door became unhinged and left a gaping hole in the side of the aircraft.

Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun said the issue was “our mistake” at a company meeting at its Renton headquarters. He said the company would approach any problems with “complete transparency” in a town hall staff meeting.

Calhoun assured customers its planes are safe. Therefore, while admitting this new production glitch adds to the air of transparency he promised, it also adds to customer safety worries.

In the company memo regarding the new production problems, Boeing says it will “dedicate several days… this week to focus on this important work, reflecting the premium we place on quality, safety and, ultimately, stability in our factories.”