Investigations traced the cause to a flawed flight control software system designed to cut costs by avoiding extensive pilot retraining. Instead, the software malfunctioned, sending both planes into fatal dives. The fallout led to a 20-month global grounding of the 737 Max, during which regulators reviewed every aspect of its design.

Space Program Setbacks

Boeing’s troubles extend well beyond its commercial aviation sector, as its space ambitions are also facing serious hurdles.

In June, two astronauts were stranded on the International Space Station after Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft was found to have serious issues.

Gas leaks were discovered in the capsule’s propulsion system before launch, and upon arrival at the space station, the situation worsened. NASA made the difficult decision to keep astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore on the station, deeming the Starliner too unsafe for their return to Earth.

The primary concern with the Starliner lies in its malfunctioning propulsion system, particularly the gas leaks and faulty thrusters. These issues highlight systemic concerns with the Starliner’s design and have prompted NASA to reassess the spacecraft’s viability for future crewed missions.

As Boeing grapples with mounting technical and reputational challenges, its role in America’s space program faces increasing scrutiny.

Whistleblower Exposes Factory Safety Lapses

Adding to Boeing’s woes, internal safety concerns have come to light. According to ‘The Federal Aviation Administration,’ it received over 200 reports from whistleblowers in the past year, raising concerns about Boeing’s safety practices, including mismanagement of parts, poor manufacturing, and inadequate inspections.

One of the most notable whistleblowers, Sam Mohawk, a 51-year-old quality assurance investigator at Boeing’s Renton factory, recently went public with his claims.

In an interview with 60 Minutes – an American television news magazine, Mohawk revealed that chaos following the COVID-19 pandemic had led to thousands of defective or substandard parts potentially being installed in aircraft.

Having worked for Boeing for 13 years on various programs, Mohawk claims he warned both the company and federal regulators about the lapses in safety protocols at the factory, which produces 30% of the world’s commercial jets.

Despite these claims, Boeing denied any safety issues, stating that there was “no evidence that the defective parts were installed on Boeing aircraft and none of the issues highlighted are safety-related.”

Interestingly, despite his public criticism of Boeing’s management, Mohawk continues to work at the company, underscoring the complex dynamics at play within the organization.

Admitting Guilt: Boeing’s Fraud Plea

Boeing’s credibility took another hit in July when the company agreed to plead guilty to conspiracy to commit fraud. The case centered on Boeing’s misleading disclosures to FAA regulators during the approval process for the 737 Max.  Due to Boeing’s incomplete disclosures, the FAA approved minimal, computer-based training rather than more thorough flight simulator training.

This cost-saving move aimed to make the 737 Max more appealing to airlines by avoiding expensive retraining programs that might have driven carriers to Airbus.

Prosecutors, however, stated there was insufficient evidence to directly link Boeing’s actions to the crashes that later occurred.

A Tumultuous 2024

This year has been particularly devastating for Boeing, a cornerstone of American manufacturing and a major contributor to the U.S. economy. The company employs 150,000 people directly and supports countless others through its global supply chain. However, repeated crises have taken a toll.

Boeing’s stock has plummeted by over 30% in 2024 alone, and the company has incurred more than US$23 billion in losses over the past five years. In addition to its financial struggles, Boeing has been overtaken by its European rival, Airbus, in both plane sales and deliveries, further undermining confidence in the company’s future.

Boeing’s year has been defined by mounting setbacks and a growing lack of trust among its customers and industry stakeholders. As it faces scrutiny from regulators and the public, its once-stellar reputation has been tarnished, leaving many to question its ability to recover and regain its position as a leader in aviation and aerospace.