At the start of 2024, Boeing is going through a series of bad news which has further tarnished its already weakened reputation. The recent mishap of the LATAM airline flight is clear proof of this. A 787 Dreamliner suffered a sudden fall in mid-flight, causing injuries to numerous passengers, after a pilot temporarily lost control of the aircraft. Although the plane was able to be landed safely, the exact circumstances of this incident remain unclear.
This sad episode adds to a series of problems encountered by Boeing since the start of the year. It all started with a damage to an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 Max, where part of the plane broke off in mid-flight. A preliminary federal investigation found bolts were missing from that part, leading to a temporary grounding of some 737 Max aircraft and a cascade of investigations and production delays. The company’s stock value fell by more than $40 billion, with investors losing confidence.
Boeing’s troubles didn’t end there. Incidents have been reported on United Airlines 737 Max aircraft, highlighting flight control issues, while the FAA has issued safety alerts regarding de-icing equipment on some 737 Max and 787 Dreamliner models. Additionally, deficiencies were found in Boeing’s production processes that went beyond simple documentation issues.
Faced with this accumulation of setbacks, Boeing is now under pressure to restore its image and regain the confidence of airlines, regulatory authorities and passengers. Recent events have highlighted flaws within the company that require immediate and transparent actions to ensure the safety and quality of its aircraft.
Boeing’s stock continued to fall following revelations about the tragic LATAM flight, showing that the consequences of these incidents go far beyond financial losses. For Boeing, the time has come to overhaul its manufacturing and assembly processes, implement corrective measures and rebuild lost confidence.
In this turmoil, the aeronautical industry is carefully watching Boeing’s next decisions and actions, because the safety and reliability of its planes now rest on its ability to learn from its past mistakes and put in place concrete measures to a more secure future in the skies.