Boeing is facing another setback after a jet crash in South Korea on Sunday, which killed all but two of the 181 people on board. The incident occurred on the company’s 737-800 model, a “very proven airplane,” according to Alan Price, a former chief pilot at Delta Air Lines.
The cause of the crash is currently under investigation, and experts are distinguishing it from Boeing’s earlier safety problems, including two fatal crashes involving its 737 Max jetliner in 2018 and 2019. However, the recent incidents have been damaging, with Boeing’s stock price down more than 30% in 2024.
The company has faced repeated troubles in recent years, including a machinists strike that lasted seven weeks, a door plug blowing off a 737 Max during an Alaska Airlines flight, and pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit fraud for deceiving FAA regulators. Boeing has also lost over $23 billion since the 737 Max crashes and fallen behind its European rival, Airbus.
Despite efforts to change its culture and improve safety, the company continues to face challenges. In January, 70,000 Boeing employees participated in meetings to discuss ways to improve safety. However, the recent jet crash is another blow to Boeing’s reputation for safety.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/korea-plane-crash-boeing-51abcf86c1a4d01b94ad17b30f5fc774