Boeing gaining ground in ‘war against defects’ at 737 jet plant

Core Insights - Boeing is reinforcing its safety and quality plan in response to past crises, focusing on quality lapses, training improvements, and addressing a toxic culture that hindered employee feedback [2][12] - The company has seen early positive results, with a 75% decline in "traveled work" and a 60% improvement in the flow of planes through the factory since April 2024 [3][8] - Boeing plans to increase 737 production to 42 jets per month and aims for a future output of 60 jets per month, while also preparing to establish a fourth production line by 2026 [8][11][16] Quality and Safety Measures - Boeing has intensified inspections of fuselages from Spirit AeroSystems to identify flaws early in the manufacturing process [6][7] - The company has implemented a feedback loop with Spirit to address root causes of defects, emphasizing the importance of early detection [7][8] - Employee involvement sessions have been revived, allowing over 100,000 workers to suggest improvements, resulting in more than 1,000 addressed complaints [12][14] Cultural and Operational Changes - The company is working to root out deep-seated cultural issues and rebuild trust among employees, acknowledging that this process is ongoing [12][16] - Weekly meetings have been instituted to facilitate open communication and demonstrate commitment to quality improvement [15][16] - Boeing's efforts to improve its operational culture are seen as essential for regaining trust from regulators and investors after years of turmoil [9][12]