The production of Boeing’s 737 Max is showing signs of improvement, according to Stephanie Pope, the new head of its commercial unit, who spoke ahead of a major air show on Sunday. She acknowledged that the manufacturer has “disappointed” customers with delays in plane deliveries.
Boeing is striving to recover from several safety and manufacturing crises, including a midair door plug blowout in January. These issues have slowed aircraft deliveries and prompted increased oversight from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
In her first press conference since assuming her role in March, Pope emphasized Boeing’s commitment to increasing production of the Max to 38 units per month. However, production had fallen to the mid-20s per month during the first half of the year, according to analysts.
Pope stated that Boeing is on the right path to enhancing its manufacturing quality, safety, and delivery predictability—a “transformational change” she noted would take years. “It doesn’t take away the reality that we’ve disappointed our customers,” she admitted, adding that Boeing has impacted their businesses and failed to meet commitments as a reliable partner.
To regain its footing, Boeing has set several goals, including improving worker training and manufacturing processes. In the spring, the company submitted an improvement plan to the FAA, which the agency had requested following the January blowout.
“This plan is not a three-month plan,” Pope explained. “I call it transformational because some of these actions will take years.”
Amid a leadership shakeup that promoted Pope, Boeing’s CEO Dave Calhoun announced he would step down by year’s end. When asked if she was interested in the CEO role, Pope stated her focus remains on the commercial unit’s recovery. “That is my priority,” she affirmed.
Boeing’s challenges are not confined to its commercial program. The defense unit is also facing delays, including the costly and delayed modification of two Boeing 747s to serve as the next Air Force One aircraft. Ted Colbert, the CEO of the defense unit, mentioned ongoing efforts to address supply chain issues.
Boeing will report its quarterly results on July 31, with anticipated charges from the defense unit, Colbert disclosed during the press conference.
