Dec. 12, 2024

Boeing has improved how wires are installed in the wings of 777/777X jets by dedicating two electricians work together instead of one. The process of feeding wires through the wings can be difficult to do alone, which increased the risk of damage that could cause delays and rework. Since implementing this team approach, there has been no need for wiring rework in the wings.

Dec. 9, 2024

Boeing has transitioned to a digital on-the-job training platform for new mechanics and quality inspectors. The digital system offers tailored, role-specific training plans, streamlining the process and reducing administrative tasks, which improves efficiency and ensures readiness for production.

Nov. 13, 2024

Boeing has introduced a new protective tool to address scratches and tool marks on bushings -- round fittings used to join airplane components. This tool covers the bushings during assembly, preventing damage that could require replacements and disrupt production. It is installed as soon as a fuselage enters the factory and removed when the bushings are ready for use.

Nov. 13, 2024

Boeing has improved how panels are installed in the 767 cargo bay. Previously, it was difficult for employees to see or know if screws were pressing into wiring on the back side – causing the potential for chafing and damage. The company now requires capped nut plates to protect the wiring from screws.

Aug. 9, 2024

During a recent internal audit, engineering teams reviewed documentation related to the stow bin installation process on 737 MAX airplanes. The audit was one of many that examined airplane designs and processes. Over the course of eight weeks, teams identified opportunities to reduce defects, improve ergonomics and ensure safety and quality in stow bin installations.

July 30, 2024

Boeing Commercial Airplanes has launched a training for new hires that defines a positive safety culture and emphasizes the importance of the company’s Safety Management System. The training includes in-person instruction, videos and discussions that create a personal connection to product safety and encourage employees to report hazards and prioritize workplace safety.

July 19, 2024

The 787 Dreamliner has 60-70 miles of wires. Our team introduced a new wire bundle training for incoming 787 teammates to ensure that anyone working in the airplane – regardless of their role – is familiar with the basics of wiring and understand how to safely work with or around them.

July 10, 2024

When an ill-fitting O-ring was discovered on a P-8 prior to delivery, Boeing engineers, mechanics and factory leaders worked together to identify the root cause of the issue. Our team discovered that two similar O-rings used near each other were easily confused, so they rewrote the installation plan in question to better identify – and keep separate – the two O-rings. There have since been no related defects found.

July 8, 2024

Boeing's Fabrication teams are making improvements to how they store and transport parts to increase quality and stabilize airplane production. From adjusting cart designs to fortifying part protection measures or working with suppliers on packaging protection, the goal is to reduce damage, create safer working environments and streamline processes.

An employee spoke up, triggering a quick improvement that helped standardize the work and inspections for drilling holes in small metallic fillers. These half-inch square pieces known as ‘radius fillers’ have holes drilled in the center to serve as a type of washer, but the task was difficult to execute with precision. A new drill guide was produced, and a new process was documented in the build plan, increasing efficiency, and improving first-time quality.

Boeing has been enhancing the steps employees must take to remove or loosen airplane parts during production. In addition to proficiency testing, a removal history audit and the Quality team’s required approval, mechanics are required to take a new “When and Why” training to initiate a removal and ensure proper documentation.

A 3D-printed tool, designed by a Boeing employee, has eliminated scrap and improved first-pass quality on placard installations for airplane interiors. Teammates install placards, which are transparent markers with adhesive that contain directives, onto curtain tracks. A new placard insert tool allows teammates to seamlessly lay the placard down onto the curtain track without needing to touch the adhesive, reducing residue or fingerprints on the adhesive.

May 29, 2024

Through a safety risk assessment process, Boeing aims to perform more jobs in sequence and keep production lines moving to predictably deliver safe, high-quality jets to customers. As part of this pilot project, new signage is hung in 737 production areas to help teams make sure airplanes have critical jobs completed before they are considered “move ready.”  Boeing is using its Safety Management System (SMS) to identify and mitigate hazards that could be disruptive to production, and employees play a key role by raising their concerns through the Speak Up portal and other means.

May 9, 2024

To strengthen the training pipeline, Boeing has invested in about 300 hours of new curriculum resulting in new manufacturing and quality employees receiving up to two more weeks of foundational training, followed by enhanced its on-the-job training with more hands-on learning and mentoring from workplace coaches and peer trainers.

Boeing Quality and Engineering teams implemented a new process where they perform additional inspections of nine critical build areas of widebody airplanes during the airworthiness inspection process. The new process is part of an effort to eliminate quality defects and ensure Boeing continues to deliver safe, high-quality airplanes.