NEW YORK Boeing is facing intense scrutiny over its quality control practices in the aftermath of a near-catastrophic Alaska Airlines flight three weeks ago, when a panel blew out.
That Jan 5 incident on a Boeing 737 Max 9 followed months of earlier, smaller problems with the same aircraft.
Exactly how the current difficulties will be resolved remains to be seen, but both the company’s regulator and its customers are demanding change.
“The quality assurance issues we have seen are unacceptable,” said Mr Michael Whitaker, head of the Federal Aviation Administration FAA).
The agency has vowed more boots on the ground” for a comprehensive investigation of Boeing and contractor Spirit AeroSystems, adding that it will only approve production increases when Boeing gets its house in order.
American Airlines joined rival carriers in signalling displeasure, though it has not been directly impacted by the Max 9 grounding because it does not fly the jet.
“We're going to hold them accountable” American Airlines chief executive Robert Isom said on Jan 25 on an earnings conference call.
Mr Isom, who characterised the
problems as unacceptable”, said: Boeing needs to get their act together.”
Denne historien er fra January 27, 2024-utgaven av The Straits Times.
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Denne historien er fra January 27, 2024-utgaven av The Straits Times.
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