Boeing & Spirit AeroSystems Have Quality Problems

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has confirmed what has been known for some time following a lengthy audit: Boeing and its suppliers have quality problems.

In its audit that spanned six weeks, the FAA says it identified not just one but multiple instances when the companies of Boeing and Spirit AeroSystems failed to comply with manufacturing and quality control requirements laid out to them.

The FAA initiated this audit following the door blowout incident at the top of the calendar year. While an isolated incident occurred, it did result in 737-9 jets being parked. During the grounding period and preliminary inspections, further loose bolts were uncovered, thus raising concerns about the manufacturing process.

Details of the manufacturing processes and Boeing’s non-compliance with these are being made public as the FAA attempts to be as transparent as possible.

As part of a response to the audit, Boeing is forced to compile a lengthy turnaround plan that’ll address concerns from a host of investigations.

Ultimately, the hope is that these quality issues, which are becoming more and more persistent, can stop. The FAA says they’re ultimately systemic quality control issues and must right their wrongs to ensure long-term stability.

The FAA, airline customers and the flying public know that what’s occurred over the last half a decade can’t continue, and the hope is through these thorough audits, investigations, expert panels and much more Boeing will have everything possible to move forward positively.

Holding Boeing accountable is something else the FAA ensures it must do. Already, the regulator has halted any production increases planned by Boeing for its 737 line. A temporary suspension is essential as increases could jeopardise the turnaround plan being implemented at the plane maker.

Additionally, the FAA in a new statement says it’s exploring a third party being using to indepentely review quality systems while also having an onsite precense at several Boeing and Spirit AeroSystems facilities long into the future.

Several analysts and onlookers have questions the FAA’s position to allow these quality slips to continue, despite knowing the track record of the plane maker. However, the regulator’s focus remains on ensuring Boeing is held accountable, and change is made.