Boeing remains steadfast in rate guidance for Max

In another big blow that slowed down the Boeing 737MAX aerospace announced a manufacturing concern about certain 737 Max aircraft but reassured that it does not pose an immediate flight safety risk. 

According to a Boeing statement, the issue arose from a supplier's utilisation of a non-standard manufacturing process during the installation of two fittings in the rear fuselage. The setback will probably delay revenues while the company reinstalls the affected fittings, which are used to hold the vertical tail stabiliser in place. Boeing could also face costs to replace the parts on planes going back as far as 2019.

It is the latest problem for Boeing, just as it was recovering from several years of crises that began when critical flaws in its 737 Max led to two deadly crashes. In 2018 and 2019, 346 people died when hardware malfunctions and badly designed software caused the planes to override pilots and plunge from the sky. It resulted in the grounding of the aircraft worldwide for close to twenty months.

Despite the manufacturing issue that has temporarily halted certain deliveries, Boeing's CEO Dave Calhoun has confirmed that the company intends to increase the production rate of the MAX during the upcoming summer. Boeing says it remains committed to its production plans for the aircraft, aiming to meet the demand and continue fulfilling orders.

At present, while inspections are being conducted, Boeing affirmed that the Max jets can continue their operations. This conclusion has been endorsed by the Federal Aviation Administration, which has already implemented stricter examination protocols for new 737 Max planes in comparison to other recently manufactured aircraft.

Although Boeing has not disclosed the precise number of affected 737 Max planes, it acknowledged that the impact is substantial.