The new head of Boeing’s embattled commercial aircraft division is striving to improve quality and address serious concerns from regulators and aviation customers after panels flew off a 737 MAX 9 plane in January. The company said it was facing a “pivotal period” as it dealt with the situation.
“This is a pivotal moment for our company and we are proud of our trust and commitment,” Stephanie Pope, who was named president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes on Monday, said in an email to employees seen by Reuters. We look forward to serious efforts to build on this and improve our operations.”
Mr. Pope was named chief operating officer in December and has held a wide range of positions at Boeing, where he remains.
On Monday, Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun announced he would step down by the end of the year, while Stan Diehl, the company’s longtime head of commercial aircraft, will effectively step down immediately and become chairman of the board. Larry Kellner resigned and was replaced by a director as chairman. Steve Mollenkopf.
Boeing Co. has come under intense criticism after Alaska Airlines’ new 737 MAX 9 jetliner was torn apart by a door plug panel at an altitude of 16,000 feet.
In the aftermath of the incident, the FAA grounded the MAX 9 from service for several weeks, barred Boeing from increasing MAX production, and issued a 90-day comprehensive plan to address “systemic quality control issues.” He ordered that it be formulated within the next few days.
Boeing’s production numbers are below the FAA’s maximum of 38 aircraft per month. The Department of Justice has launched a criminal investigation into the MAX 9 incident.
“Our path forward is clear: We will prioritize safety and quality above all else to meet and exceed the expectations of regulators, customers, air passengers and each other,” Pope said. Told.
Over the coming weeks, she said, “I will take the time to meet and collaborate with our teams to strengthen and execute our safety and quality improvement plans.” FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker said earlier that the FAA and Boeing want to define milestones for manufacturers to meet by the end of March.
