Boeing Reworking 50 New Planes After Misdrilled Holes Found in Fuselages

The rework could delay some near-term deliveries of 737 model planes, the manufacturer said.

Alaska Airlines N704AL, a 737 Max 9, which made an emergency landing at Portland International Airport on Jan. 5 is parked on the tarmac in Portland, Oregon, on Jan. 23, 2024. Patrick T. Fallon/AFP

Boeing will rework about 50 undelivered aircraft after engineering issues came to light with the new planes, the company said on Feb. 4 amid heightened scrutiny following an accident last month.

In a message to employees, the Arlington, Virginia-based planemaker stated that CEO Stan Deal would spend “several days” at its Renton, Washington, factory inspecting some undelivered planes for potential quality issues. A supplier recently notified Boeing of engineering issues in the fuselages of certain 737 MAX aircraft.