Some of the crucial layers of redundancies that are supposed to ensure that Boeing’s planes are safe appear to be strained, the people said. The experience level of Boeing’s work force has dropped since the start of the pandemic. The inspection process intended to provide a vital check on work done by its mechanics has been weakened over the years. And some suppliers have struggled to adhere to quality standards while producing parts at the pace Boeing wanted them.

I knew it. People always make mistakes. It’s up to the quality assurance team to find them. Anyone who works in a good company in a regulated industry knows you can’t cut corners.

Boeing is being cheap.