In response to a recent midflight blowout incident, Boeing has named a retired Navy admiral as a special adviser. The admiral, Kirkland Donald, will be responsible for overseeing the quality of work done by suppliers. Boeing CEO David Calhoun has formed a team, including Donald, to provide recommendations for improving oversight of quality in the company’s factories and those of its suppliers.
Before retiring, Donald served as the director of the Navy’s nuclear-propulsion program for eight years. Currently, he is the chairman of shipbuilder Huntington Ingalls Industries.
This appointment comes shortly after Boeing announced increased quality inspections on its Boeing 737 Max 9 planes. The decision was made following an accident involving an Alaska Airlines jet. During the flight, a plug used to fill an emergency exit spot blew out while the plane was over Oregon on January 5.
The Federal regulators have grounded most Max 9 jets, including those used by Alaska and United Airlines. A Boeing official acknowledged that there are significant shortcomings in quality assurance and controls, stating, “It is clear that we are not where we need to be.”
The National Transportation Safety Board is currently investigating the accident and examining the door plug that blew off the Alaska jet. The plug was installed by supplier Spirit AeroSystems.
Boeing has faced various manufacturing problems in recent years, causing delays in the delivery of new planes to airlines.
Before retiring, Donald served as the director of the Navy’s nuclear-propulsion program for eight years. Currently, he is the chairman of shipbuilder Huntington Ingalls Industries.
This appointment comes shortly after Boeing announced increased quality inspections on its Boeing 737 Max 9 planes. The decision was made following an accident involving an Alaska Airlines jet. During the flight, a plug used to fill an emergency exit spot blew out while the plane was over Oregon on January 5.
The Federal regulators have grounded most Max 9 jets, including those used by Alaska and United Airlines. A Boeing official acknowledged that there are significant shortcomings in quality assurance and controls, stating, “It is clear that we are not where we need to be.”
The National Transportation Safety Board is currently investigating the accident and examining the door plug that blew off the Alaska jet. The plug was installed by supplier Spirit AeroSystems.
Boeing has faced various manufacturing problems in recent years, causing delays in the delivery of new planes to airlines.
