Boeing temporarily shifts some engineers to help focus on commercial planes
Boeing is temporarily shifting some engineers away from its experimental X-66A plane project to help support commercial development programs and speed up deliveries of existing jets, the planemaker said on Thursday.
The X-66A project is an experimental plane being co-developed by NASA and Boeing that is focused on helping the U.S. achieve its goal of net-zero aviation greenhouse gas emissions.
“It is critically important that we meet our commitment to customers on 737-7, 737-10, 777-9 and 777-8F and on airplane deliveries,” Boeing told Reuters in an emailed statement.
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Boeing is trying to ramp up jet production and meet delivery schedules as it navigates safety concerns after it came under scrutiny following a mid-air incident involving an Alaska Airlines-operated MAX 9 jet in January.
With the X-66A jet, NASA and Boeing aim to develop a new generation of more sustainable single-aisle aircraft. The jet will feature extra-long, thin wings stabilized by diagonal struts, known as a “transonic truss-braced wing” concept.
Boeing said it had discussed the plan with NASA and the U.S. space agency offered additional personnel to help maintain progress on the X-66.
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