Boeing Has Made ‘Drastic’ Changes to Root Out Defects, CEO Says

Boeing Co. Chief Executive Officer Kelly Ortberg said the US planemaker has implemented sweeping changes to reduce the number of defects and hitches in its production line, as he faced questions from US senators about the company’s recovery from several high-profile accidents.

Among the improvements, Boeing has stepped up inspections in its factories and at a key supplier while working to simplify processes, Ortberg said. Fewer workers can now also perform the task of removing components like door plugs, he said. Early last year, such an improperly attached fuselage panel came loose during a passenger flight, throwing the company into ...