Boeing has announced plans to increase quality inspections for its 737 Max 9 aircraft in response to the emergency exit door panel failure on an Alaska Airlines flight.
The incident has added to Boeing’s recent challenges, impacting its reputation as a leading American aircraft manufacturer. Federal regulators have grounded the 737 Max, prompting Boeing to acknowledge deficiencies in its quality assurance and controls. Stan Deal, Boeing Commercial Airplanes’ President and CEO, informed employees of intensified quality practices and the involvement of airline customers and independent inspectors for aircraft assessments.
The move follows a series of manufacturing flaws affecting Boeing’s image and leading to delays in aircraft purchases or preferences for its European competitor, Airbus.
The recent incident involving an Alaska Max 9 raised concerns about fuselage panel safety, prompting investigations by the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board.
Boeing aims to address these issues amid ongoing challenges, including previous crashes and manufacturing flaws affecting Max jets and the larger 787 plane. Last month, the company urged airlines to inspect Max jets for a loose bolt in the rudder-control system.
