Aviation Supply Chain Has Too Many Weak Links
Boeing’s latest 737 Max glitch involving supplier Spirit AeroSystems underscores how planemakers should bring more work in-house.
While the 737 Max suffers glitches, Boeing is fabricating the composite wing for the 777X jet itself.
Photographer: Nathan Laine/Bloomberg
The aerospace supply chain may be too complex for its own good.
Boeing Co. and Spirit AeroSystems Holdings Inc. this week disclosed yet another production glitch affecting the structure of the 737 Max. This time the problem is improperly drilled fastener holes in a component that helps maintain cabin pressure. In April, the issue was incorrect installation by Spirit of rear fittings that attach the Max’s vertical tail to the body of the plane. Boeing muddled through the vertical fin snag without having to adjust its full-year delivery goals or its plans to ramp up production for the 737 program. The planemaker may not be so lucky this time: It will most likely take several weeks to fix the improper holes on already completed aircraft, a disruption that may pressure the delivery timeline, Citigroup Inc. analyst Jason Gursky said.