- Former Boeing employees, including a senior manager, express reservations about flying on the 737 Max, citing safety concerns stemming from alleged production pressures and compromised quality control.
- Boeing's production practices face heightened scrutiny following the recent grounding of 171 Max 9 jets by the FAA after an incident involving Alaska Airlines. The Wall Street Journal reveals lapses in manufacturing, as the involved jet left the factory missing crucial bolts intended to secure the door plug to the fuselage.
- The culture at Boeing, centered on rapid production and financial priorities, comes under criticism from ex-employees who claim a focus on quantity over quality, contributing to a potential safety risk for passengers.
Safety Concerns Echo as Former Boeing Insiders Speak Out
Two former Boeing staffers have raised serious safety concerns about the 737 Max, stating they would avoid flying on these aircraft. Ed Pierson, a former senior manager at Boeing, expressed reluctance, citing firsthand observations of production pressures and rushed timelines in the factory. This revelation comes amid renewed scrutiny on Boeing's manufacturing practices, following the recent grounding of 171 Max 9 jets by the FAA.
The Wall Street Journal's report on the Alaska Airlines incident sheds light on manufacturing lapses, revealing a critical oversight where the delivered jet lacked essential bolts, a detail vital for securing the door plug to the fuselage. These revelations add to the existing skepticism surrounding the 737 Max fleet, which faced severe criticism after two fatal crashes in 2018 and 2019.
Ed Pierson echoes these sentiments, characterizing Boeing's culture as one where "money is everything" and success is measured solely by the number of aircraft delivered. The concern is rooted in a perceived disregard for the meticulous engineering and quality control processes essential for aviation safety. Boeing, so far, has not responded to the allegations made by its former employees. The revelations, however, contribute to a growing crisis of confidence in the safety of the 737 Max fleet.
The Wall Street Journal's report on the Alaska Airlines incident sheds light on manufacturing lapses, revealing a critical oversight where the delivered jet lacked essential bolts, a detail vital for securing the door plug to the fuselage. These revelations add to the existing skepticism surrounding the 737 Max fleet, which faced severe criticism after two fatal crashes in 2018 and 2019.
Boeing's Production Culture Under Fire: Former Engineers Speak Out
Former Boeing engineer Joe Jacobsen, along with others, emphasizes a troubling aspect of Boeing's production culture, alleging a preference for "financial engineering" over technical prowess. Jacobsen, who also worked at the FAA, deems the decision to allow the Max 9 to fly again as "premature" and advises against flying on any Max aircraft. The criticism extends to Boeing's success metrics, where quantity of deliveries takes precedence over ensuring the quality and safety of the planes.Ed Pierson echoes these sentiments, characterizing Boeing's culture as one where "money is everything" and success is measured solely by the number of aircraft delivered. The concern is rooted in a perceived disregard for the meticulous engineering and quality control processes essential for aviation safety. Boeing, so far, has not responded to the allegations made by its former employees. The revelations, however, contribute to a growing crisis of confidence in the safety of the 737 Max fleet.
