United Airlines has requested Boeing to halt production of the Boeing 737 Max 10 aircraft they had ordered due to ongoing delays in obtaining certification from the FAA. This decision comes amidst Southwest and Alaska Airlines reducing flights as Boeing faces challenges in delivering jets amid a criminal investigation.
During the JP Morgan conference in New York, United's CEO expressed concerns over the uncertainty surrounding the certification timeline for the Max 10 model. As a result, United has asked Boeing to focus on producing Max 9 aircraft instead.
In a recent incident involving a Dreamliner jet flying from Sydney to Auckland, passengers and crew members experienced a terrifying ordeal when the plane unexpectedly tilted downwards, causing severe injuries to 50 individuals. Witnesses described the chaotic scene, with one passenger recounting how people were thrown around the cabin, including a baby being propelled from its seat.
Another passenger shared that the pilot revealed the instrument panel had briefly malfunctioned, leaving him momentarily unable to control the aircraft. This incident, characterized by a sudden nosedive, has raised concerns about the safety of Boeing's aircraft.
Amidst these incidents, Boeing is facing a series of challenges, including a whistleblower case that tragically resulted in the death of the whistleblower during testimony. The company's stock shares have declined by 29% year-to-date, reflecting investor apprehension towards Boeing's ongoing issues.
Despite these challenges, it is important to note that the aviation industry overall had a safe year in terms of passenger jet travel, with no fatalities reported in the previous year. However, the recent string of incidents involving Boeing planes has raised questions about the company's safety protocols and the potential impact on consumer confidence in air travel.
As investigations into these incidents continue, passengers are reminded of the importance of wearing seatbelts while flying to ensure their safety in the event of unexpected turbulence or emergencies.
