The Boeing 737 Max, was used to be considered as the future of aviation and as an airspace giant. Following two tragic crashes in 2018 and 2019 in which 346 passengers lost their lives, the aircraft was grounded globally. Now, as the 737 Max is slowly re-entering the service, the big question still exists: Can it regain its lost glory as a trusted aircraft?
Controversies and charges hovering over Boeing:
Boeing has agreed to plead guilty to a criminal fraud conspiracy charge to settle a US Justice Department investigation related to two 737 Max fatal crashes, according to a government official as reported by Reuters. The plea deal once approved by a federal judge will label Boeing as criminally convicted. As per a Justice Department official, Boeing will also have to pay a criminal fine of $243.6 million. The charges levied upon the airline are for two 737 MAX crashes one in Indonesia and another one in Ethiopia. The two incidents killed 346 people altogether and happened within a gap of five months. Following the tragic incident, the families of the victims want Boeing to face prosecution.
Boeing’s financial setback
A guilty plea by the aerospace giant is a huge blow to its capability to secure government contracts with NASA and the US Defence Department. Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft with its first crewed mission was launched to the International Space Station in June. NASA was supposed to approve the spacecraft fit for regular astronaut flights. This major feat has already been achieved by its competitor SpaceX’s Crew Dragon capsule in 2020. Numerous challenges have been reported in the propulsion system as a result of extending the mission from eight days to maybe next year.
These reasons have raised questions about the spacecraft’s capability to bring back the crew safely. NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore are figuring out whether a Crew Dragon will be more suitable to bring them home instead of Starliner. The delays in the return of the crew have heavily costed Boeing. As per reports by Reuters, a massive loss of around $125 million has been indicted in the security filings to Boeing. Moreover, in comparison with the rival SpaceX is considered to be more experienced and economical.
However, Boeing is facing a lot of criticism but a different side of the story is emerging from India.
Govt of India says no engine failures on Boeing 737 Max Aircraft in the country
On the contrary, the government of India has recently announced that Indian airlines have not experienced any recent engine failures on the Boeing 737 Max aircraft. The Minister of State in the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Murlidhar Mohol informed the Lok Sabha that 56 Boeing 737 Max aircraft are registered and currently being used in India. According to the PIB report, till now only one incident was reported in May 2024. The incident happened with a Spicejet B737 Max aircraft when its oil filter bypass light for engine number two was illuminated. The pilot decided to opt for a single-engine landing and it was implemented without any failure. No complaints or discomfort have been reported by the passengers or the crew as per the airline.
Boeing’s Future Plan:
According to officials, Boeing is ready to fuel around $455 million in the next three years for its safety and compliance programs. The Department of Justice will appoint a third-party monitor to oversee the matter and ensure that the company adheres to norms and regulations. The monitor will also be responsible for publicly filing the annual reports on the progress of the company. The company has recently announced that they are planning to make changes to the designs to prevent a future mid-air cabin panel blowout which happened with an Alaska Airlines 737 MAX 9 flight.
Elizabeth Lund, Boeing’s senior vice president, said to the National Transportation Safety Board as mentioned by Reuters that the plane maker is currently working on the design changes. The company also expects that it will get executed in one year and then it will be implemented on the other fleet.
If Boeing is ready to bring in more transparency and will follow all the safety protocols, it may get an opportunity to regain its lost glory. However, the true test will be in how the company plans its future outlook in years to come.