Boeing outlines its safety improvements following an incident where an in-flight cabin door component detached.
Boeing revealed on a recent Friday their focus on enhancing four core areas: reinforcing safety and quality standards, boosting workforce education, streamlining manufacturing processes, and removing defects.
There have been several safety concerns surrounding Boeing aircraft in recent times, such as the tragic crashes of two Boeing 737 Max jets, claiming the lives of all passengers, and an incident involving a door plug explosion that caused passenger belongings and mobile phones to be blown out of the plane through a large hole in the fuselage as the cabin air escaped. Following this incident, numerous whistleblowers stepped forward, reporting questionable parts used in assembly and other potential dangers.
Initially, Boeing insisted that its aircraft were safe for operation. However, the Federal Aviation Administration intermittently grounded various versions of the company's 737, 777, and 787 jets due to the discovery of potential safety, quality, and production issues.
Last year, Boeing aimed to improve quality, as mentioned by George Ferguson, senior aerospace, defense, and airline analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence. However, this goal was halted as well.
“The turnaround didn’t happen due to the door plug problem,” Ferguson explained.
On top of this, the International Association of Machinists held a strike in September, which lasted for two months and was the most expensive labor action in the United States in over 25 years, ending in November.
Just a few days ago, another Boeing plane encountered a devastating crash, resulting in the deaths of 179 passengers and crew out of the 181 onboard. The crash investigation is still ongoing, and no connection has been found to the plane's manufacturing.
Outgoing FAA chief Mike Whitaker expressed in a blog post that Boeing needs lasting solutions.
“This isn’t a one-year project,” Whitaker wrote. “What’s required is a fundamental cultural shift at Boeing that prioritizes safety and quality over profits. This will necessitate continuous effort and unwavering scrutiny from Boeing, along with unwavering attention from our end.”
Boeing's Updates
In a safety statement issued on Friday, Boeing confirmed that it had tackled over 70% of commercial airplane production “action items” based on employee feedback from the “quality stand down” gatherings. The plane manufacturer also mentioned its investment in its “speak up” system to strengthen confidentiality while keeping employees informed about the status of any quality and safety concerns they raise.
A “move ready” criteria has been implemented across Boeing's final assembly line for the 737, 787, and portions of the 767 and 777 lines to minimize risks. Boeing has also invested in additional training, including mandatory product safety and quality training for all employees.
Mechanics and quality inspectors will now be required to sign off on completed work. The absence of documentation at Boeing became a topic of discussion among lawmakers after the manufacturer failed to provide records on the door plug incident, claiming there were none.
Despite the public concern over Boeing, Ferguson does not anticipate lasting damage to the company's reputation, but recognizes there is still apprehension towards the plane maker.
“The Boeing name has gained a slight tarnish,” Ferguson said, “and their concern fluctuates when it’s a Boeing aircraft.”
“The story for 2025 will be about getting quality back under control,” Ferguson concluded.
Boeing's focus on improving quality and safety standards is a direct response to the recent incidents and concerns surrounding their aircraft, such as the crashes and the door plug explosion. (Boeing revealed on a recent Friday their focus on enhancing four core areas: reinforcing safety and quality standards, boosting workforce education, streamlining manufacturing processes, and removing defects.)
In an effort to boost workforce education and ensure safety, Boeing has implemented mandatory product safety and quality training for all employees. (Boeing revealed on a recent Friday their focus on enhancing four core areas: reinforcing safety and quality standards, boosting workforce education, streamlining manufacturing processes, and removing defects.)
