An Air India 787, known as the Dreamliner, experienced a tragic crash shortly after take-off in Ahmedabad, claiming the lives of all 240 individuals on board. This incident marks the aircraft’s first fatal crash since its introduction in 2009, according to the Aviation Safety Network.
In the wake of the disaster, Boeing’s stock saw a decline of over four per cent. The 787 has been notable for its pioneering use of lithium-ion batteries, which, while light and efficient, led to a significant grounding of the fleet in 2013 due to overheating issues that, in some cases, caused fires. Boeing’s struggles also include the 737 Max, which has faced ongoing scrutiny after two fatal crashes—one in Indonesia in 2018 and another in Ethiopia in 2019—that resulted in 346 fatalities. The tragic incidents were linked to a faulty sensor that inadvertently forced the nose of the aircraft downward, preventing pilots from regaining control, resulting in a worldwide grounding of the Max model until corrective actions were taken.
Recently, the U.S. Justice Department reached a settlement allowing Boeing to evade criminal prosecution over accusations of misrepresentation to regulators concerning the Max prior to the crashes. However, concerns were reignited when a door plug on a Max operated by Alaska Airlines malfunctioned, prompting regulators to limit Boeing’s production to 38 aircraft per month.
Financially, Boeing reported a staggering loss of USD 11.8 billion in 2024, bringing its overall losses since 2019 to more than USD 35 billion. To compound these issues, a strike by machinists at its Renton and Everett plants halted production and hampered delivery capabilities. In contrast, the first quarter of 2025 revealed a narrower loss of USD 31 million, with CEO Kelly Ortberg reporting progress in stabilising operations despite intensified scrutiny and the impact of the strike.
In 2024, Boeing’s aircraft deliveries fell sharply, with only 348 jetliners supplied, a significant decrease compared to the 528 delivered the previous year. Additionally, the company lagged behind Airbus, which delivered 766 commercial jets in 2023.
Despite these challenges, airline customers have continued to invest in Boeing aircraft, securing substantial orders, including a notable USD 96 billion contract for 787 and 777X jets from Qatar, marking one of the largest in the company’s history for these models.