Spirit AeroSystems aware of defect on some 737 fuselages; Boeing delays some deliveries

Boeing is postponing deliveries of some newly built 737 Max planes because of structural defects in some fuselages, while a number of unaffected models remain on schedule as airlines clamored for more supply.

Spirit AeroSystems, which supplies the fuselages to Boeing, said maintenance crews found improperly drilled fastener holes in a number of aft pressure bulkheads — a critical pressurization component that is key to the structural integrity of every aircraft.

The Wichita, Kansas-based company said because it uses multiple suppliers, only some units are affected and it will continue to make unit deliveries to Boeing.

“Boeing has determined that there is no immediate safety of flight concern associated with this issue for the 737 fleet and that the in-service fleet may continue to operate,” Spirit AeroSystems said in a statement.

Aircraft manufacturers have wrestled with supply issues in recent years. Spirit AeroSystems builds the fuselage for Boeing’s 737 Max narrowbody jet and substantial sections of aircraft bodies in other of its models. The company builds components for Airbus aircraft as well.

Boeing issued a statement saying it will continue to deliver 737 Maxes that were not affected by the problem.

“This issue will impact near-term 737 deliveries as we conduct inspections to determine the number of airplanes affected, and complete required rework on those airplanes,” the company said in a statement.

The engineering flaw is the latest in a string of setbacks for Boeing as parts and production lapses frustrate efforts to meet increased travel demand as the major airlines faced growing pressure from the Biden administration to improve service and transit times, especially during the holidays.

Boeing delivered 309 planes during the first seven months of 2023, compared to 381 planes delivered by rival Airbus during that same span.

The company recently set a goal to produce 38 planes per month, up from a rate of 31, and planned to deliver between 400 and 450 Max jets to the airlines before the end of the year.

The latest delay comes as Boeing works to mount a comeback for the 737 Max after two air disasters off Indonesia and in Ethiopia in 2018 and 2019 grounded the model worldwide for nearly two years.

For now, Spirit AeroSystems said it will continue to deliver the fuselages to Boeing despite the production issue.

“We are working closely with our customer to address any impacted units within the production system and address any needed rework,” the aircraft parts manufacturer said in a statement. “Based upon what we know now, we believe there will not be a material impact to our delivery range for the year related to this issue.”

Shares of Spirit AeroSystems Holdings Inc. were down 14% in afternoon trading Thursday, while Boeing Co.’s stock slipped more than 3%.

Contributing: UPI and the Associated Press

This story was originally published August 24, 2023 at 11:40 AM.