Spirit Aerosystems in Wichita has issued a statement in response to reports of new problems with the Boeing 737 MAX jetliners.
Boeing is delaying delivery for 50 of its 737 planes after discovering a new “non-conformance” issue at its Renton, Washington facility. Fifty MAX jets are being reworked after an employee at supplier Spirit AeroSystems found holes that were drilled incorrectly on some fuselages. Boeing confirms that a spacing problem had been found in holes drilled on a window frame on some jets. Boeing is expected to devote several days at the facility this week to work on the misaligned holes and finish other outstanding work.
Spirit makes the fuselage for the 737 MAX. Spirit spokesman Joe Buccino said in a press release:
– Spirit notified Boeing last week of a non-conformity one of our employees identified. As is standard in these situations, engineering reviewed the non-conformity to determine any required follow-up actions. Engineering determined that there is no safety-of-flight issue. The engineering review is ongoing; we expect a final disposition this week. This process will define a course of action at that time, and any required repairs will have a recommended solution. Based on that engineering analysis, disruption and level of effort can be determined.
In close coordination with Boeing, Spirit will continue delivering fuselages that incorporate additional inspections and known repairs and meet the agreed-upon assembly condition. Spirit will continue its normal and planned production operations until formally notified of any changes.
