Part Failure Grounds Latest Wide-Body Jet, Adding to Aerospace Giant’s Troubles
Boeing has suspended the flight testing of its new 777X wide-body jet after discovering a part failure that connects the engine to the aircraft’s body. This latest setback adds to a series of quality control issues that have plagued the American aerospace giant.
“During scheduled maintenance, we identified a component that did not perform as designed,” Boeing stated to AFP. “Our team is replacing the part and capturing any learnings from the component and will resume flight testing when ready,” the statement continued, confirming an earlier report by specialist website The Air Current.
A history of quality concerns
Boeing has faced significant scrutiny over safety and quality control in recent years. A nearly catastrophic incident involving an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 MAX in January reignited concerns and put additional pressure on the company to address these ongoing issues.
Newly appointed CEO Kelly Ortberg, 64, who took the helm earlier this month, has pledged to restore trust in Boeing. Ortberg, an aerospace veteran, has chosen to base himself in Seattle to be close to the firm’s commercial airplane programs.
Challenges with the 777X program
The 777X wide-body program, unveiled in November 2013, is the newest member of Boeing’s popular 777 family. Touted as the world’s largest twin-engine jet, the 777X has already garnered more than 500 orders. However, these aircraft have not yet entered commercial service.
The suspension of flight testing was triggered by a failure of a custom part specific to the 777-9 model, which connects the engine to the aircraft structure. Boeing stated that all other 777-9s used for testing are currently being inspected following the incident.
The 777X series, which includes the 777-8, 777-9, and the 777-8 cargo models, was initially slated for entry into service in 2020. However, delays in the certification process have pushed this timeline back to 2025. Despite not yet receiving approval from the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Boeing marked a significant milestone in July by obtaining permission to begin testing the 777-9 with FAA representatives on board.
A ray of hope amidst turmoil
On the same day Boeing reported a $1.4 billion loss for the second quarter of the year, the company named Kelly Ortberg as its new CEO. The loss was attributed to poor performance in its commercial division. However, the company has recently experienced a surge in new plane orders.
In July, Boeing booked 72 orders, including 57 for its flagship 737 MAX aircraft, following the Farnborough International Airshow in the United Kingdom. Additionally, Boeing announced that El Al had finalized orders for up to 31 737 MAX aircraft, marking the largest purchase in the Israeli flag carrier’s 76-year history.
While Boeing’s recent surge in orders offers a glimmer of hope, the suspension of 777X flight testing underscores the ongoing challenges the company faces. As CEO Kelly Ortberg works to restore trust and steer the company back on course, the industry will be watching closely to see how Boeing addresses its quality control issues and navigates its way through these turbulent times.