Boeing 787 Crash in India Raises Concerns Amid Ongoing Challenges
A Boeing 787 passenger jet operated by Air India crashed shortly after takeoff in Ahmedabad on Thursday, marking the aircraft’s first fatal incident since its introduction in 2009. With over 240 passengers on board, the cause of the crash remains under investigation, prompting a significant drop in Boeing’s stock price, which fell more than 5% in pre-market trading.
The 787, known for its innovative use of lithium-ion batteries, faced scrutiny in 2013 when overheating issues led to a temporary grounding of the fleet. Boeing’s recent challenges also include the troubled 737 Max series, which was grounded after two fatal crashes linked to faulty sensors. Although the Justice Department recently reached a deal to avoid criminal charges against Boeing, concerns over the Max linger.
Financial troubles continue to plague Boeing, with reported losses of $11.8 billion in 2024. Production was further affected by strikes at its Washington factories, resulting in a significant drop in aircraft deliveries—348 jetliners delivered compared to 528 the previous year. Despite these issues, Boeing secured major contracts recently, including a $96 billion order from Qatar, indicating ongoing demand amidst its challenges.
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