Spirit AeroSystems, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of aerostructures for commercial aircraft, has issued a statement regarding a “quality issue” with fastener holes relating to the Boeing 737 MAX fuselage.

‘Quality issue’

The company said: “We are aware of a quality issue involving elongated fastener holes on the aft pressure bulkhead on certain models of the 737 fuselage produced by Spirit AeroSystems.

“Because Spirit uses multiple suppliers for the aft pressure bulkhead, only some units are affected. Spirit will continue to deliver units to Boeing.

“Spirit has implemented changes to its manufacturing process to address this issue. We are working closely with our customer to address any impacted units within the production system and address any needed rework.

“Based upon what we know now, we believe there will not be a material impact to our delivery range for the year related to this issue.

“Boeing has determined that there is no immediate safety of flight concern associated with this issue for the 737 fleet and that the in-service fleet may continue to operate.”

Boeing said the issue will delay the first MAX 8 delivery to Malaysia Airlines, scheduled for 28 August.

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