March 2024

Until now 75% of Boeing’s bonus score was based on financial metrics…and we wondered why their planes crashed and burned.  Now, their Commercial Airplane division has elevated safety and quality metrics to 60% of their annual incentive score.

What are we, the flying public, to make of this change?  We don’t have any details, but for a start, how about, “It’s about #$^g time!”

Speaking as a quality professional, now comes the hard part for Boeing.  Again, no details, but the term ‘annual’ does not bode well.  How many safety/quality improvements are started and completed within a year?  Especially with complex products like passenger jets?!  Anyone who’s been around for more than six months knows the answer.