Boeing confirms 767 and KC-46 ‘quality’ problem (2024)

FAQs

Boeing confirms 767 and KC-46 ‘quality’ problem? ›

Earlier this month, Boeing confirmed that deliveries of the Boeing 767 freighter and KC-46 tanker were delayed as a supplier had not completed processes related to cleaning and paint adhesion on the center fuel tanks. The primer inside the fuel tank must be removed and repainted before Boeing can deliver the aircraft.

This was the KC-46A's third product quality shortcoming: the aircraft's receptacle drain line, which empties liquid out of the tanker's refueling port located on its crown. The line is at risk of cracking, which Ottati previously said could cause fuel to leak into the co*ckpit.

In the years that followed, the KC-46 program was beset by further delays, including production line problems that regularly stalled deliveries and an underperforming vision system. That system is years behind schedule and expected to come in October 2025.

Production of the 767 was expected to cease by the end of 2027 due to more stringent emissions and noise limits that will go into effect in 2028. However, as of May 2024, the US Congress is considering giving Boeing a waiver to continue to produce the 767 freighter for an additional five years.

Boeing's defense unit shows profit, despite $222M loss on KC-46, T-7. For priority access to the latest whitepapers, ebooks, webcasts, and events, get our Market Intelligence newsletter.

The KC-46 is also a derivative of the 767, but features a larger fuselage, different engines, and completely new wings, boom, and co*ckpit. Although similar, they are quite different planes. The same occurred in Japan, which acquired the KC-46 to replace its KC-767J. AMI acquired four KC-767s in 2002.

An Air New Zealand Boeing 787-9. The world's safest aircraft have been named in Boeing's Statistical Summary of Commercial Jet Airplane Accidents 1959 – 2022.

The black-and-white display washes out or blacks out in direct sunlight, and operators struggled with depth perception. The issue was particularly problematic for low-observable aircraft, such as the F-35 and F-22, because accidental damage from the probe could compromise the fighters' radar-absorbing properties.

WASHINGTON — The Air Force has awarded Boeing a $2.3 billion contract for 15 more KC-46A Pegasus refueling tankers. The award, announced by the Pentagon Tuesday evening, brings to 153 the number of KC-46s Boeing has on contract to build for the United States and allies.

The KC-46A is operational and deployed globally.

Approved for global combat operations in September 2022, the KC-46A is delivering fuel, data, and multi-mission capability around the globe. It's been proven in combat and provides millions of pounds of fuel each month to U.S. and allied receivers.

Does anyone still fly 767? ›

US airlines still have 767 fleets primarily because of their versatility and efficiency on long-haul routes. The Boeing 767 offers a balance of passenger capacity and range, making it suitable for various routes, including transatlantic and transcontinental flights.

United operates 128 757s and 767s (77 757s and 51 767s), the second-largest combined fleet after Delta Air Lines with 206 (127 757s and 79 767s). Both have to replace them; they could be replaced by 737 MAX 10s, A321neos, Boeing NMAs, 787-8s or A330-800s.

According to data from Airfleets.net, the Boeing-made 767 jet is 33 years old — above a passenger plane's typical lifespan of 20 to 25 years, longtime commercial pilot Scott Miller told The Post.

In September 2021, PBS released Boeing's Fatal Flaw, a Frontline documentary about how Boeing ignored critical safety issues with the 737 MAX resulting in the crash of two airliners.

Under the 1962 Tri-Service designation system, “C” is the basic mission designation for Cargo aircraft. “K” is a designation for aircraft modified to be aerial refueling aircraft (“K” from “kerosene”). There is indeed a KC-135, as well as the KC-10, KC-46, and KC-130.

Boeing (BA) Ownership Overview

Approximately 58.77% of the company's stock is owned by Institutional Investors, 0.86% is owned by Insiders and 40.37% is owned by Public Companies and Individual Investors. The ownership structure of Boeing (BA) stock is a mix of institutional, retail and individual investors.

Boeing acknowledged it was liable for those crashes — and that they were caused by a design flaw it has since fixed after a nearly two-year grounding. The recent nonstop streak of bad news began during the last week of 2023, when an airline discovered a potential problem with a key part on two 737 Max aircraft.

The company is facing heightened scrutiny.

Its regulator, the Federal Aviation Administration, increased inspections at the company's factories. And its customers have criticized Boeing. A six-week F.A.A. audit of Boeing's 737 Max production documented dozens of lapses in quality-control practices.

Selfridge ANGB is slated to receive 12 new KC-46s that are projected to start arriving in 2029 and will bring enhanced capabilities, such as boom and drogue refueling on the same sortie, worldwide navigations and communication, cargo capacity on the entire main deck floor, receiver air refueling, improved force ...

Regulators temporarily grounded nearly 200 Boeing 737 Max 9 jets after the incident. And another FAA investigation was launched earlier this week after Boeing told regulators that it might not have properly inspected its 787 Dreamliner planes.