Boeing announced Sunday that its fuselage supplier Spirit AeroSystems identified misdrilled holes on about 50 undelivered 737 MAX jets’ body sections, prompting delays in production while the issue gets solved.
As the planes get reworked, Boeing stressed that it doesn't pose an immediate flight safety concern, and existing 737s can operate safely.
Not the first
The aircraft maker’s 737 fuselage supplier, Spirit, has misdrilled holes in the past. Just last year, it put in the wrong holes and caused production delays for some MAX planes.
Boeing is under increased regulatory scrutiny following the recent Alaska Airlines door plug blowout, and the recent mistake adds further damage to its reputation. It is causing concerns among investors and airline customers about potential delivery slowdowns.
The door plug that blew out involved a Spirit fuselage.