The Dreamliner outsourcing fiasco
This article sums up the main problem with Boeing’s Dreamliner. The aggressive strategy of outsourcing as much of 70% of the parts for the new jet created all sorts of problems during the production process.
This was obvious even before the recent battery problems that have caused the FAA to ground the jet. The delivery delays were significant as Boeing couldn’t meet delivery deadlines to the airlines.
It’s one thing to outsource production for toothbrushes. It’s quite another for a sophisticated jet where a slight problem with one part can affect the safety of hundreds of people.