What’s going on at Boeing?

Sixteen months ago, I wasn’t too optimistic about the future of Boeing, and yet, as of now, the challenges faced by the company continue to add-up. Not just with the 737 Max, but also with the manufacturing of its 787 Dreamliner that is slowing deliveries and cash-flow. 

Already deprived from its 737 Max sales for the past 18 months, the company is hammered by bad news. Sure, the FAA has given the 737MAX a checklist to fly again, but there’s still a long way to go, starting with a final report and a public comment period. 

Recertifying the 737 Max won’t be a walk in the park and whatever the FAA decides will still be open to public review. 

So far the FAA investigation has involved more than 40 engineers, inspectors, pilots, and staff adding to a total of 60,000 expensive hours of review, testing, and evaluation of the so-called Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System (MCAS), the corrective software that has caused two deadly crashes. Boeing will still have to update, inspect, and recertify each 737 Max, but that’s not all. 

All airlines will have to undergo updated training and we’re only talking about what is going to happen in the United States. This time around, airline safety organizations in other countries will be a bit more skeptical of the FAA and may insist on conducting their own comprehensive safety reviews. 

To be continued…