Boeing 737 MAX deliveries face delay due to new supplier defect
24 Aug 2023
Boeing announced on 23 August 2023 that it has discovered a new quality issue with its 737 MAX aircraft, specifically concerning a supplier, Spirit AeroSystems.
The problem pertains to incorrectly drilled holes on the aft pressure bulkhead. Boeing noted that, as a consequence of this defect, there will be delays in near-future deliveries. The company is also assessing whether this issue might potentially jeopardize its ability to meet its annual delivery goal of at least 400 737s this year.
In after-hours trading, Boeing's shares experienced a 2.7% decline, while Spirit AeroSystems’s shares saw a 6.1% drop.
This recent supply-chain hiccup represents the most recent setback affecting the delivery of the revenue-generating MAX series. Prior to this, Boeing had revealed an issue in April, when Spirit had incorrectly installed brackets connecting the aft fuselage to the vertical tail.
Boeing has officially confirmed that this latest problem will result in a delay in the first delivery of a MAX 8 aircraft to Malaysia Airlines. The airline had initially planned an arrival event for August 28th.
Spirit AeroSystems stated that, as it relies on various suppliers for the aft pressure bulkhead, not all 737 fuselages are affected by the newly discovered issue of ‘elongated’ holes.
Spirit has said that ‘given the information currently available’ to it, the problem would not significantly affect its delivery projections for the year.
As of now, Boeing’s assessment suggests that the flaw is confined to a segment of its highly popular MAX8 model. However, the company is in the process of evaluating whether older-model 737 Next Generation jets might also be affected.
Boeing reported that the exact number of jets requiring repairs, and the duration of the rework process, remain uncertain. The time needed for completion will depend on the individual condition of each aircraft.
Boeing has affirmed that it would still be delivering 737s ‘that are unaffected’. The company acknowledged that the problem was discovered ‘recently’ but did not offer additional details.
Spirit AeroSystems confirmed that it has introduced modifications to its manufacturing processes to rectify the problem.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has acknowledged the matter and clarified that it does not compromise the safety of flight.