Boeing prepares safety measures for 737 next generation jets

Boeing is finalizing a set of three safety enhancements to the engines on its popular 737 Next Generation models to prevent debris from escaping during a failure, according to US regulators. The FAA outlined the fixes in a letter to the NTSB, dated April 2. The NTSB had recommended improvements in the engine designs after a chunk of metal flew off a Southwest engine over Pennsylvania on April 17, 2018, killing a woman who was seated where the metal hit a window. Once Boeing finalizes what are known as service bulletins instructing operators how to strengthen the smooth curved surface at the front of the engine that guides air into the turbine, the FAA plans to mandate them, the agency said in the letter. The FAA anticipated last April that Boeing would finalize the bulletins by July, though such work is often delayed. <br/>