At the Singapore Airshow this week, the US aerospace giant Boeing showcased military hardware, including the F-15 fighter and Apache attack helicopter. However, there was a noticeable absence of Boeing’s commercial jets, with only models and an “immersive display” of the Boeing 777X cabin available.
This comes after a preliminary investigation by US regulators found critical bolts missing from the Boeing 737 Max, leading to a temporary global grounding of the aircraft. Although the planes are flying again, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not yet allowed Boeing to expand production of its best-selling narrow body family of jets.
In contrast, Boeing’s rival Airbus displayed its A350-1000 passenger jet at the airshow. Airbus recently reported plans to deliver 800 planes this year, including its A320neo, a competitor to Boeing’s 737 Max. On the other hand, Boeing’s orders have shrunk significantly following the Alaska Airlines incident, with only 27 planes delivered in January compared to 67 in December.
Boeing’s president, Dave Calhoun, has taken responsibility for the incident and emphasized the company’s commitment to transparency and safety. However, some of Boeing’s biggest customers have expressed frustration, with the boss of Emirates airline warning that the company is in the “last chance saloon.” This comes after the 737 Max 8 was grounded in 2018 due to two fatal crashes that resulted in the deaths of 346 people.
Despite these challenges, the head of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) expressed confidence that Boeing will regain its status as a world-class supplier of aircraft through the right measures and ownership of the problem.
Additionally, the Singapore Airshow saw the debut of the Comac C919, a rival to Boeing’s 737 Max and Airbus’ A320neo single-aisle jet families. While the C919 has gained attention with orders, it faces hurdles in gaining international regulatory approval and reliance on international supply chains.
Despite the recent safety problems, Boeing remains an important player in the global commercial aviation and defense industries. Its significance is also evident in federal political importance and employment.
This year’s Singapore Airshow highlights the ongoing challenges and competition faced by Boeing in the aviation industry, as it works to regain trust and maintain its position in the market.
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