Boeing Faces Multiple Problems with Its 737 Max Jets

The aircraft maker struggles to restore confidence and demand

Boeing (BA), the world’s largest aerospace company, is facing multiple problems with its 737 Max jets, which have been plagued by safety issues, production delays, and low orders. The company is trying to restore confidence and demand for its best-selling aircraft, which was grounded for 20 months after two fatal crashes that killed 346 people in 2018 and 2019. The company resumed deliveries of the 737 Max in December 2020, after getting approval from regulators in the U.S., Europe, and other countries.

However, the company’s troubles are far from over, as it has encountered new challenges and setbacks with its 737 Max jets. The company has had to halt deliveries and inspections of some of its 737 Max jets, due to electrical problems that affected the cockpit and other systems. The company has also had to deal with quality issues and defects in some of its 737 Max jets, such as gaps in the fuselage and foreign object debris. The company has also faced lawsuits and investigations from the families of the crash victims, as well as from the U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. Congress.

The company’s woes have also affected its customers and suppliers, who have suffered losses and disruptions due to the 737 Max crisis. The company’s customers, such as airlines and leasing companies, have had to cancel or defer their orders for the 737 Max jets, due to the uncertainty and reduced demand caused by the pandemic and the safety concerns. The company’s suppliers, such as engine maker CFM International and fuselage maker Spirit AeroSystems, have had to cut their production and workforce, due to the lower orders and deliveries from Boeing.

The company hopes to recover and rebound in 2024

Boeing, despite its difficulties, remains optimistic and hopeful about its future and prospects. The company expects to resume deliveries and inspections of its 737 Max jets in the coming weeks, after resolving the electrical issues and getting clearance from the regulators. The company also plans to ramp up its production and delivery of its 737 Max jets, from the current rate of 16 per month to 31 per month by early 2024. The company also aims to clear its backlog of more than 3,000 orders for its 737 Max jets, which are valued at over $200 billion.

The company also believes that the demand and market for its 737 Max jets will recover and rebound in 2024, as the pandemic subsides and the air travel industry recovers. The company cites the positive feedback and performance of its 737 Max jets, which have flown more than 100,000 flights and carried more than 2.5 million passengers since returning to service. The company also points to the new and potential orders for its 737 Max jets, from customers such as Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, Alaska Airlines, and Ryanair.

The company also hopes to restore its reputation and credibility in the industry and the public, by demonstrating its commitment and efforts to improve its safety and quality standards. The company has made changes and enhancements to its 737 Max jets, such as updating its software, hardware, and training. The company has also made changes and reforms to its culture and governance, such as appointing a new CEO, creating a new safety organization, and increasing its transparency and accountability.

The company faces competition and uncertainty in the market

Boeing, however, still faces competition and uncertainty in the market, as it tries to overcome its challenges and regain its position and leadership. The company faces competition from its rival Airbus, which has taken advantage of Boeing’s troubles and gained market share and orders for its A320neo jets, which are comparable to the 737 Max jets. Airbus has also launched a new and larger version of its A321neo jet, called the A321XLR, which can fly longer distances and compete with Boeing’s wide-body jets.

The company also faces uncertainty in the market, as it depends on the recovery and growth of the air travel industry, which has been severely affected by the pandemic and the travel restrictions. The company also depends on the confidence and trust of the regulators, customers, and passengers, who have been shaken by the 737 Max crisis and the safety issues. The company also depends on the stability and cooperation of the global trade and political environment, which has been strained by the tensions and disputes between the U.S. and China, the two largest markets for Boeing.