Boeing 737 MAX aircraft are being assembled at the company’s Renton, Washington plant, with production showing signs of improvement, said Stephanie Pope, the new head of Boeing’s commercial unit, ahead of the Farnborough Airshow. However, Pope acknowledged that delays have “disappointed” customers and disrupted their businesses.
The aircraft manufacturer is attempting to recover from numerous safety and manufacturing setbacks, including a midair door plug blowout in January. Boeing plans to increase production of the 737 MAX to 38 units per month, up from the mid-20s earlier this year. Pope emphasized that a “transformational change” in quality and predictability of deliveries will take years.
Boeing has presented an improvement plan to the FAA after the January incident, focusing on enhancing worker training and manufacturing processes. Despite these efforts, Pope admitted the company’s performance has not met customer expectations. CEO Dave Calhoun will step down by year-end as part of a leadership shakeup that saw Pope promoted.
Boeing’s defense unit is also facing challenges, including delays in modifying two Boeing 747s for use as Air Force One aircraft. Unit CEO Ted Colbert cited supply chain issues as a key obstacle. Boeing will report quarterly results, including likely charges from its defense unit, on July 31.
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Original Story https://www.cnbc.com/2024/07/21/boeing-on-path-to-transformational-change-commercial-jet-ceo-says.html
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