Boeing has announced that it is progressing well with its plan to enhance safety and quality as the new year commences.

The renowned aircraft manufacturer has faced significant criticism for what many critics perceive as a decline in production standards over recent years.

In January 2024, a recent Alaska Airlines flight using a newly delivered 737 Max experienced fuselage failure during flight. This incident intensified regulatory scrutiny, leading to a mandatory production deceleration and a temporary halt on certain 737 Max aircraft.

Boeing, however, asserts that it is making considerable progress towards improvement.

Measures Boeing is implementing for enhanced safety and quality

The company has highlighted several initiatives aimed at boosting safety and fostering a more open company culture that encourages feedback from production staff.

Some key improvements include:

• Enhanced confidentiality for employees who report problems
• Increased focus on workforce training
• Random inspections for quality on the production floor
• Plans to update training materials

This progress reflects some of the commitments Boeing made regarding safety enhancements during a media tour in June.

Mike Whitaker, the outgoing head of the Federal Aviation Administration, remarked that his agency remains dedicated to increased oversight of Boeing to ensure the manufacturer continues its improvement trajectory.

“We are actively observing the outcomes of Boeing’s safety and quality strategy, keeping a vigilant eye on operations at key facilities,” Whitaker noted in a blog entry. “However, this is not just a short-term endeavor. A substantial shift in culture at Boeing is necessary, prioritizing safety and quality over profits. This will demand continuous effort from Boeing and persistent scrutiny from our side.”

Is air travel still secure?

Following major incidents like the Alaska Airlines event and a recent Jeju Air crash, many travelers are questioning the safety of flying.

Experts reassure that air travel remains a safe option, and despite Boeing’s challenges, fatal accidents involving Boeing aircraft (or any commercial planes) are extremely uncommon.

Knowing when to hold Boeing accountable

It’s essential to recognize that not every event related to a Boeing aircraft can be attributed solely to the manufacturer.

Boeing has become more transparent about the quality challenges it is addressing in its production facilities, but new aircraft continue to be produced and transport passengers safely across the globe.

Once a Boeing airplane is operated by an airline, the company’s influence over its performance diminishes significantly.

For instance, the recent Jeju Air crash involved a 15-year-old Boeing 737-800. Although investigations are ongoing to ascertain the exact cause of the accident, experts previously indicated to YSL News that incidents with older planes are rarely due to manufacturing flaws. Instead, they are typically attributed to factors like an airline’s maintenance practices, human error, or external circumstances such as weather or bird encounters.