In response to multiple incidents of loose hardware reported during inspections of the grounded 737 MAX 9, Boeing has issued a bulletin to its suppliers, urging them to tighten bolts and emphasizing the critical importance of meeting quality requirements. The move comes weeks after an alarming incident where a panel ripped off a 737 MAX 9 mid-air, prompting the aircraft manufacturer to take proactive measures.
The memo, dated January 17, highlights Boeing’s commitment to ensuring that work instructions are mistake-proof and quality is continuously monitored, particularly in terms of torquing requirements. The bulletin recommends comprehensive documentation of torque requirements on work instructions, recording torque application by mechanics, and ensuring the proper calibration of tools for bolt tightening.
This directive follows an emergency landing of an Alaska Airlines flight on January 5, triggered by a door plug panel blowing off. Subsequently, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) grounded 171 MAX 9 planes. Alaska Airlines CEO Ben Minicucci expressed concerns about Boeing’s in-house quality programs, emphasizing the need for improvement.
In response to the incident, Boeing communicated separately to its suppliers, affirming that it has not altered its 737 supplier master schedule. The schedule, detailing production rate expectations, calls for 42 737s per month starting in February 2024. Boeing urged suppliers to continue performing to established requirements, collaborating with the FAA to unground the 737 MAX 9 while enhancing quality across the production system.
The incident has prompted questions about the manufacturing process, with FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker stating on January 12 that the cabin blowout was likely a manufacturing issue, not a design problem. Whitaker emphasized the need for robust quality control, given the extensive number of parts in the MAX 9, totaling around 500,000. Proper assembly of every bolt is crucial for ensuring the safety and reliability of the aircraft.
Boeing is scheduled to update investors on its production plans on January 31, amid speculation from Wall Street about potential impacts on the ramp-up due to increased checks.
