Boeing Appoints New Boss to Lead 737 MAX Program

737 program manager Eric Lindblad is leaving Boeing. He will be replaced by Mark Jenks, hitherto responsible for the future mid-market aircraft project (New Midsize Aircraft or “NMA”).

Mired in the B737 MAX crisis, grounded since March 10 following two fatal accidents that killed 346 people in which the aircraft is involved, Boeing is cutting heads. The head of the 737 program, Eric Lindblad, will leave the aeronautical group. Joined Boeing 34 years ago, he had held this position for only a year. He will retire in a few weeks, said in an internal letter addressed to employees the boss of the civil aviation division Kevin McAllister.

The NMA responsible for straightening the 737 MAX

Boeing will entrust the 737 program to Mark Jenks, until now responsible for the future mid-market aircraft project (New Midsize Aircraft or “NMA”). This engineer, who has worked at Boeing for 36 years, also led the 777X program, the latest derivative of the B777, a jumbo jet with a capacity of 350 to 400 seats depending on the version. Mark Jenks is credited with part of the success of the 787 Dreamliner program and his appointment as head of the “NMA” was seen as a favorable element in view of the rapid launch of the American group’s future mid-market aircraft, which some have already christened the B797.

The task promises to be immense for Mark Jenks and it will now be up to him to manage the inventory of 737 MAX undelivered, to relaunch and increase production of this aircraft and to complete the development of the 737 MAX 10, the largest single-aisle from Boeing, some sources told Reuters. The stakes are all the greater since the 737 is the group’s best-selling aircraft and the profits it generates are used for new projects such as the “NMA”.

The “NMA” launched in 2020?

The latter is not called into question insisted Kevin McAllister. Mike Sinnett, vice president of product development and future aircraft development at Boeing Commercial Airplanes, now takes the helm of the “NMA” program. While before the MAX crisis, the launch of the “NMA” seemed planned for June, it will probably not be launched before the spring or summer of 2020, according to Reuters sources. If launched.

In an interview with La Tribune, Philippe Petitcolin, CEO of Safran said:

“Boeing’s number one priority is getting the 737 MAX back to flight, although I think the pre-development work on the ‘NMA?’ continue. As a potential engine manufacturer on this program, it is clear that we have a little less pressure than at the start of the year. The pre-selection of the engine should have already taken place. It was delayed and everyone understands why”.

The replacement of Eric Lindblad is the second reshuffle in four months in the direction of Boeing. Boeing announced in March that John Hamilton, former vice president and chief engineer of the commercial aviation division, would focus solely on the role of chief engineer.

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