The impacts of lean principles on the production of civil aircraft in Boeing

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to review how lean through the Boeing Production System impacted the production of civil aircraft in Boeing. Design/methodology/approach The paper engages the usage of literature on lean from researchers, book authors and the Boeing Company. These literatures were studied to ascertain why Boeing pursued the lean journey and the transformations it attained. Findings The outcomes disclose lean offers Boeing an all-inclusive approach in managing the value-stream of a company. It further presents a sustainable business model that prioritizes customer and industry demands, births innovative ways of satisfying them and keeps Boeing in business. Originality/value This research is useful to upcoming aircraft manufacturers who seek to optimize their production as well as satisfy their customers.