Boeing to Implement Additional Quality Inspections Following Alaska Airlines Incident

Introduction

Boeing has announced that it will be implementing more quality assurance measures in response to the recent Alaska Airlines midflight blowout incident. The company acknowledges that there is room for improvement in its production processes and is committed to taking a hard look at its quality practices.

Increased Quality Inspections

Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO, Stan Deal, sent out a memo to employees stating that additional inspections will be conducted throughout the build process. This includes thorough inspections of Spirit AeroSystems' installation of the mid-exit door plug before the fuselage section can be shipped to Boeing. Furthermore, Boeing will be opening its factories for inspection by airlines that use 737 planes.

Independent Review

Boeing is taking the issue seriously and has decided to bring in a third party to conduct an independent review of its quality management system. This review aims to identify any gaps or weaknesses in the current system and suggest improvements.

The Alaska Airlines Incident

On January 5, an Alaska Airlines flight on a Boeing 737 Max 9 was forced to make an emergency landing due to a blown-off door plug during the flight, resulting in a hole in the side of the aircraft. As a result, the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) grounded all Boeing 737 Max 9 planes with the same component until further investigations are conducted to ensure their safe operation.

FAA Investigation

The FAA has initiated an investigation to determine if Boeing failed to ensure that completed products conformed to approved designs and complied with FAA regulations for safe operation. This investigation will shed light on any potential shortcomings in Boeing's quality management practices.

Alaska Airlines' Response

Alaska Airlines has announced that it will be conducting a thorough review of Boeing's production quality and control systems. Additionally, the airline will enhance its own quality oversight of Alaska aircraft on the Boeing production line to ensure the highest standards of safety and quality.

Conclusion

Boeing's commitment to implementing additional quality inspections and conducting an independent review of its quality management system demonstrates its dedication to improving its production processes. By addressing the issues highlighted by the Alaska Airlines incident, Boeing aims to ensure the safety and reliability of its aircraft.

—————————————————————————————————————————————
By: sjackson@insider.com (Sarah Jackson)
Title: Boeing to Implement Additional Quality Inspections Following Alaska Airlines Incident
Sourced From: www.businessinsider.com/boeing-more-plane-inspections-after-alaska-airlines-flight-2024-1
Published Date: Tue, 16 Jan 2024 03:23:25 +0000