What's happened
Boeing is under intense scrutiny following a series of safety incidents, including a door plug blowout on a 737 Max 9 in January 2024. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has mandated Boeing to develop a comprehensive safety plan, which was presented on May 30, 2024. Whistleblowers have raised concerns about the company's safety culture, leading to multiple investigations. The FAA has continued its ban on increasing 737 Max production until safety issues are resolved. Boeing's future, including the appointment of a new CEO, hinges on addressing these systemic problems.
What's behind the headline?
What the papers say
According to the New York Times, Boeing's decision to update the 737 model instead of developing a new plane has left it trailing behind Airbus. The Independent reports that whistleblowers have raised serious safety concerns, with one stating, 'I have spent the last six years having nightmares on a regular basis.' Business Insider highlights United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby's criticism of the Boeing-Airbus duopoly, calling for more competition in the aerospace industry. Sky News and The Guardian emphasize the FAA's ongoing oversight and the need for Boeing to transform its safety culture.
How we got here
Boeing has faced mounting safety concerns since the fatal crashes of its 737 Max planes in 2018 and 2019. The company's decision to update the 737 model instead of developing a new aircraft has been criticized. In January 2024, a door plug blew out of an Alaska Airlines 737 Max 9 mid-flight, prompting the FAA to mandate a comprehensive safety plan. Whistleblowers have since come forward with allegations of safety shortcuts and a toxic work culture. The FAA has imposed strict oversight, barring Boeing from increasing 737 Max production until safety issues are resolved.
Go deeper
- What specific safety issues have whistleblowers raised about Boeing?
- How is the FAA ensuring Boeing addresses its safety problems?
- What impact will the appointment of a new CEO have on Boeing's future?
Common question
More on these topics
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The Boeing Company is an American multinational corporation that designs, manufactures, and sells airplanes, rotorcraft, rockets, satellites, telecommunications equipment, and missiles worldwide.
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Michael Gordon Whitaker is an American lawyer serving as the administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration since October 27, 2023. He was previously the chief operating officer of Supernal. He was the deputy FAA administrator from 2013 to 2016.
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David L. Calhoun is an American businessman, and president and CEO of The Boeing Company since January 2020. He was previously Boeing's chairman.
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Airbus SE is a European multinational aerospace corporation. The 'SE' in the name refers to Societas Europaea, which enables it to be registered as European rather than Dutch.