Aircraft
Boeing Confronted with Another Max Delivery Disruption
Aft fuselages for the 737 Max supplied by Sprit Aerosystems are the source of another delivery disruption.
Boeing 737 Max family on airport ramp
A new production problem affecting most models of the Boeing 737 Max family will disrupt delivery schedules. (Photo: Boeing)

Boeing will have to suspend deliveries of certain 737 Max narrowbodies after discovering a problem involving two fittings in the aircraft’s aft fuselage sections, the company confirmed Friday. Spirit AeroSystems—the supplier of the Max’s aft fuselage—notified Boeing of a “nonstandard manufacturing process” used during the installation of the fittings, creating the potential of noncompliance with required specifications. Boeing said the problem does not compromise safety-of-flight and that airplanes already in service can continue to fly.

While not specifying the batch of airplanes involved, Boeing said the problem will likely affect “a significant number” of undelivered Max jets and P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft, both in production and in storage.