Aerospace manufacturers and suppliers Boeing and Spirit Aerosystems rode out some bumpy skies in 2023 and are still in the thick of turbulence as they work together to meet production schedules.

Spirit has been grappling with production schedule volatility due to supply chain headwinds throughout 2022 and into 2023, which have had a significant ripple effect throughout the company’s operations. Spirit’s quality issues have also impacted things further down the line, serving as one of the primary reasons for Boeing’s delivery shortfalls in recent quarters, especially on 737 units.

In fact, all 737-9 Max aircraft in the U.S. are having to be inspected due to a cabin door plug being blown out of an Alaska Airlines airplane this past weekend. Spirit is currently addressing the issue, according to a statement published Jan. 8, and will “share further information when appropriate.”

Boeing and Spirit weren’t the only aerospace companies dealing with operational challenges this past year. In June 2023, supplier and service provider Incora filed for bankruptcy due to rising costs and plummeting profits after major shipment delays. Other companies like Bombardier and General Dynamics also navigated their own supply chain woes due to supplier issues and a backlog of late parts. Pratt & Whitney also recalled hundreds of engines in 2023.

Here’s a recap of Boeing and Spirit’s operational headwinds and strategies in 2023.