The Case to Place

Going global is good for business.

This is especially true in today's highly competitive marketplace in which access to the best in design and production technology means honing the keen edge of success.

"We can't be world-class at everything," said Hank Queen, retiring vice president of Commercial Airplanes Engineering and Manufacturing. "We focus on our strengths and reach out to the world for the best skills and technology to complement those strengths."

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Fans of Six Sigma

Determining the cause of a component failure can be like trying to find the proverbial needle in a haystack—especially when the haystack is the size of the world's largest commercial twin-engine airplane with millions of components.

A Six Sigma team in Everett, Wash., searched for such a needle on a Boeing 777 when recirculating air fans were rejected during functional tests on the aircraft production line, resulting in costly removal, additional testing and replacement.

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Their information AGE

Imagine having the responsibility for planning and executing a safe, efficient airline flight from New York to Paris. You probably saw yourself sitting in the flight deck of an airplane. But, you also could be on the ground working as a dispatcher in a sophisticated airline operations control center.

Typically, dispatchers and captains share responsibility for a flight, which means they need a comprehensive, overall view of the operation so they can plan, coordinate and act, especially if there's unexpected bad weather or traffic delays.

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What's better than superlative?

Media reports earlier this year celebrated statistics compiled by the airline industry that showed traveling in a commercial jet airplane is safer than ever. So with a safety rate far better than any other mode of transportation in the world, why are people within Steve Atkins' organization examining the data and asking, "Is this good enough?"

"Our emphasis is to continuously work for a safe and efficient global air transportation system," said Atkins, Boeing Commercial Airplanes vice president of Product Integrity and Technical Excellence. "We can settle for no less."

Atkins' organization is responsible for integrating processes within Commercial Airplanes that allow the company to meet regulatory requirements and to reinforce the company's commitment to safety throughout the life cycle of Boeing airplanes.

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A successful mission

In 2000, Boeing Commercial Airplanes faced a defining moment with a proposed Brazilian airline. It was a key moment not for the amounts of money at stake or the corporate risk involved, but for what the decision would reveal about BCA's corporate character and the nature of its relationship with airlines.

"We took a chance," said Ricardo Cavero, BCA's Brazil sales director.

Boeing bought four used 737-700s and worked with lessor General Electric Capital Aviation Services to place an additional two -700s with the startup carrier. That allowed the fledgling airline Gol to begin flying in January 2001. In addition, Boeing worked closely with the airline's principals to help ensure it would be a business success.

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