Boeing halted deliveries of certain models of its popular airplane on Thursday following the discovery of quality problems with components provided by Spirit Aerosystems. Boeing encounters yet another quality issue in the construction of the 737 MAX jets, its most favored commercial aircraft.
On Thursday, the aircraft manufacturer confessed to pausing deliveries of some airplanes 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 units either in production or in storage exclusively.
The parts are provided by Spirit Aerosystems, renowned for assembling numerous components of Boeing airplanes. The problem impacts the following models: 737 MAX 7, Max 8, 8-200, and also the preceding series, 737NG, currently manufactured for maritime patrol as P-8 Poseidon.
The only exempted variant is the 737 MAX 9, presently possessing the highest capacity. “This does not pose an immediate safety concern, and the in-service fleet can continue to operate securely,” Boeing explained. As a result of the delivery suspension, the manufacturer must postpone the anticipated production increase in the upcoming years.
Boeing had intended to elevate the 737 production from 31 to 38 planes per month in June. By 2024, the objective was to achieve a monthly production rate of 42 aircraft.