Boeing to stay close to factory floor for tough safety information, exec says
BA•Boeing safety chief Don Ruhmann said the company needs to stay close to factory-floor workers so difficult safety information keeps flowing as it increases production of key jet models. Boeing is working with the FAA to raise 737 MAX production rates and plans to cut 5% of its commercial division workforce.
1. Safety information from workers
Boeing chief aerospace safety officer Don Ruhmann said staying close to factory-floor workers is important as the company grows and scales. He said dashboards and reports alone can leave leaders disconnected, since difficult safety information often surfaces first on the factory floor.
2. Trust and production
Ruhmann told the International Aviation Safety Summit that employees need to trust the system and feel their concerns are heard, respected and protected. Boeing is working with the FAA to raise 737 MAX production rates, while facing challenges in its factories and supply chains. On Monday, its commercial division said it would cut 5% of its workforce to match a more gradual increase in output.
3. Safety scrutiny
Boeing said it has taken steps to improve its safety culture, which came under scrutiny in 2024 after a door plug blew off a nearly new 737 MAX and following two earlier crashes of the model. IATA expects global air travel to more than double by 2050, despite current headwinds from high jet-fuel prices.
