Boeing halted shipments of certain models of its popular aircraft on Thursday after discovering quality problems with components provided by Spirit Aerosystems. Boeing is facing another quality issue with the assembly of its highly popular 737 MAX jets.
On Thursday, the aircraft manufacturer acknowledged that it had suspended deliveries of some planes to conduct inspections on two fittings that connect the rear fuselage to the vertical tail. The parts were not properly attached to the structure, affecting only units in production or storage.
Spirit Aerosystems, renowned for assembling various parts of Boeing planes, supplies these components. The problem impacts the 737 MAX 7, Max 8, 8-200 models, as well as the previous series, the 737NG, which is currently being produced as the P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft.
The only variant not affected is the 737 MAX 9, which currently has the highest seating capacity. Boeing clarified, “This does not pose an immediate safety concern, and the in-service fleet can continue to operate safely.” As a result of the delivery suspension, the manufacturer must postpone the anticipated production increase for the upcoming years.
Boeing had planned to raise the monthly production of the 737 from 31 to 38 planes in June. By 2024, the goal was to achieve a monthly production rate of 42 aircraft.