Boeing has announced that the company head of the troubled 737 Max program, Ed Clark, is set to depart the company, marking the end of an almost 18-year tenure.
This move is part of a broader restructuring within the commercial airplane division, as Boeing strives to enhance its quality and safety measures, the company announced on Wednesday.
The decision is following an increased scrutiny on Boeing, triggered by an incident in January when a section of one of its jets suffered a blowout during an Alaska Airlines flight, necessitating an emergency landing.
Although the event did not result in serious injuries, it reignited concerns about the manufacturing processes for Boeing’s widely used 737 Max planes.
Boeing, currently under review by regulators, had its 737 Max production expansion halted by the Federal Aviation Administration last month, allowing authorities to assess the company’s production line for these planes.
Ongoing issues in recent years, including lesser flaws, have plagued production as Boeing sought to increase manufacturing following the 20-month global grounding in 2019 due to crashes that claimed 346 lives.
An initial investigation into the incident on the Alaska Airlines flight revealed missing bolts intended to secure the door panel, removed within Boeing’s Renton, Washington factory.
Clark, who was the vice president and general manager of the 737 program, which oversees the production facility, faced calls from safety advocates for a change in leadership.
He will be replaced by Katie Ringgold, currently vice president of 737 delivery operations.
Boeing also announced the creation of a senior vice president for quality position as part of its commitment to meeting and exceeding quality and safety requirements.
The head of Boeing’s commercial airplanes division, Stan Deal emphasized the importance of these changes in ensuring the delivery of aircraft that meets the highest standards, expressing gratitude to Clark for his nearly two decades of service.
Chioma Kalu
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