Boeing immediately put the brakes on deliveries of some 737 MAX jets as it figures out the kinks with a new supplier quality program. This announcement comes shortly after the company said they were getting ready to ramp up production.
Spirit AeroSystems, which manufactures fuselage, thrust reversers, engine pylons and wing components for the 737 Max airplanes, went down in stock by 14%, according to Reuters.
The problem involves the installation of two fittings that join the aft fuselage made by Spirit to the vertical tail, which was not attached correctly to the structure before it was sent to Boeing. The problem stretched back to 2019.
Boeing said that this issue affects certain 737 Max 8 planes – their most popular model – with customers including American Airlines and Southwest Airlines. This problem also affects certain 737 Max 7, 737 8200 and P-8 planes.
“We expect lower near-term 737 MAX deliveries while this required work is completed. We regret the impact that this issue will have on affected customers and are in contact with them concerning their delivery schedule,” Boeing said in a statement. “We will provide additional information in the days and weeks ahead as we better understand the delivery impacts.”
“Spirit is working to develop an inspection and repair for the affected fuselages. We continue to coordinate closely with our customer to resolve this matter and minimize impacts while maintaining our focus on safety,” the company said.
The company on Tuesday reported a 64-plane March delivery – the highest tally since December, amid an industry-wide shortage of new jets.
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