The heads of leading U.S. airlines want to meet with Boeing and hear the aircraft manufacturer’s strategy for fixing quality-control problems that have gained attention since a panel blew out of an Alaska Airlines jetliner in January, people familiar with the situation said Thursday.
The meeting is likely to take place next week, according to a person who spoke on condition of anonymity to describe private discussions between Boeing and the airlines.
The request by airline leaders was reported first by The Wall Street Journal.
The newspaper said that Boeing CEO David Calhoun is not expected to meet with the airline officials, and that Boeing has offered to send its chairman, former Continental Airlines CEO Lawrence Kellner, and other board members.
Boeing, United Airlines and American Airlines declined to comment. A Southwest spokesman declined to comment on specific meetings but said, “We have ongoing, frequent communication with Boeing, which is not new and will continue.”
Alaska Airlines did not immediately respond to inquiries.
Airline CEOs have been outspoken in their frustration with Boeing’s manufacturing problems, which have slowed deliveries of planes that the carriers were counting on.
Southwest, which has an all-Boeing fleet, said last week that the company told it to expect 46 new planes this year instead of 79, which will force Southwest to reduce its planned schedule.
Major airlines around the world are seeking more information on Boeing’s plan to address manufacturing issues in its planes, following a series of incidents that have raised concerns about the safety and reliability of the aircraft.
Boeing, one of the largest aircraft manufacturers in the world, has been under scrutiny in recent years for a number of manufacturing issues that have affected its planes. From faulty wiring to debris left behind in the fuel tanks, these problems have raised questions about the company’s quality control processes and its ability to deliver safe and reliable aircraft to its customers.
In response to these concerns, Boeing has announced plans to address the manufacturing issues and improve its quality control processes. However, major airlines that rely on Boeing planes for their fleets are seeking more details on these plans to ensure that the necessary steps are being taken to address the issues and prevent future problems.
One of the key concerns for airlines is the potential impact of these manufacturing issues on the safety and reliability of Boeing planes. With millions of passengers flying on Boeing aircraft every year, airlines cannot afford to take any risks when it comes to the safety of their passengers and crew. Therefore, they are pressing Boeing for more information on how the company plans to address these issues and ensure that its planes meet the highest safety standards.
In addition to safety concerns, airlines are also worried about the potential financial impact of these manufacturing issues. Delays in deliveries, grounded planes, and costly repairs can all have a significant impact on an airline’s bottom line. Therefore, airlines are keen to understand how Boeing’s plans to address these manufacturing issues will affect their operations and what steps they can take to mitigate any potential risks.
Overall, major airlines are closely monitoring Boeing’s efforts to address its manufacturing issues and are seeking more information on the company’s plans to ensure the safety and reliability of its planes. As the aviation industry continues to recover from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is crucial that manufacturers like Boeing take all necessary steps to maintain the trust and confidence of their customers and ensure the safety of all those who fly on their aircraft.
