> The defect was found as the planemaker grapples with other problems in its 787 that have caused it to cut production and halt deliveries since May. From Boei

> The defect was found as the planemaker grapples with other problems in its 787 that have caused it to cut production and halt deliveries since May. From Boeing management's long-term perspective, the upside to the current downturn is that it provides them an excuse to shift more production from their unionized Washington factory to their non-unionized South Carolina factory. (Anybody know if 787 production has now--or will be--moved entirely to South Carolina?) Notably, most 787 quality problems have been with their South Carolina factory, which has less expertise and less ability to push back against the unreasonable management demands that result in shortcuts and defects. Some customers were even stipulating Washington built planes. But of course Boeing management couldn't care less about their quality problems. Presumably their gamble is that with Washington out of the equation, the defect rates will silently become status quo and then people won't complain as much. It would be entirely unsurprising if this management culture bleeds through its suppliers, assuming it hasn't already. Major f'up? Terminate the contract to appease everybody, and sign a new contract with a virgin outfit. Wash, rinse, repeat.