In a tumultuous journey that began in October 2018, Boeing’s 737 MAX series has weathered numerous challenges, setbacks, and pivotal moments. From fatal crashes to global groundings, production halts, and regulatory scrutiny, the narrative of the 737 MAX is a complex tapestry of trials and, occasionally, triumphs.
In October 2018, tragedy struck the skies as a Lion Air MAX plane crashed in Indonesia, claiming the lives of all 189 souls aboard. This marked the beginning of a turbulent journey for Boeing’s 737 MAX series.
In the aftermath, November 2018 saw the FAA and Boeing grappling with the need for potential software or design changes after the Lion Air crash. The looming specter of safety concerns intensified in March 2019 when an Ethiopian Airlines MAX crashed, claiming 157 lives. The world responded by grounding MAX jets, starting with China’s aviation regulator, followed by others, including the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration.
April 2019 brought a glimmer of hope as the FAA assembled an international team to scrutinize the 737 MAX’s safety. However, Boeing had to make sacrifices, cutting production by nearly 20%. The financial toll was evident in July 2019 when Boeing posted its largest-ever quarterly loss.
As the storm raged on, September 2019 witnessed a pivotal moment as Boeing’s board of directors established a permanent safety committee to oversee the aircraft’s development, manufacturing, and operation. The struggle continued, leading to the ousting of Kevin McAllister, the head of Boeing’s commercial airplanes division, in October 2019.
December 2019 brought a seismic change as CEO Dennis Muilenburg was dismissed in the wake of the twin crashes. The beginning of 2020 saw Boeing suspending 737 production – a significant assembly-line halt not witnessed in over two decades.
Despite the setbacks, May 2020 saw a cautious resurgence as Boeing resumed 737 MAX production at a “low rate.” June 2020 marked the commencement of long-delayed flight tests for the redesigned 737 MAX with regulators taking control.
Hope was on the horizon in November 2020 when the U.S. FAA lifted the grounding order, allowing the 737 MAX to take flight once again. However, this turning point came with legislative repercussions as Congress passed reforms to how the FAA certifies new airplanes in December 2020.
The saga continued into January 2021, with the European Union Aviation Safety Agency approving the MAX’s return to service in Europe. Yet, safety concerns persisted in March 2021 when China’s aviation regulator emphasized the need for addressing major safety issues before conducting flight tests.
April 2021 brought a fresh challenge as Boeing halted 737 MAX deliveries due to electrical problems. Legal battles simmered in November 2021, concluding with current and former Boeing company directors settling for $237.5 million with shareholders over safety oversight.
As the calendar turned to October 2022, the FAA delivered another blow, informing Boeing that key documents for the 737 MAX 7 certification were incomplete and in need of reassessment. December 2022 saw Congress extending deadlines for new cockpit alert standards after intense lobbying from Boeing.
The trials persisted into April 2023 when Boeing paused deliveries due to a new supplier quality problem involving noncompliant fittings. The first delivery of the 737 MAX 7 was delayed to 2024 in July 2023. In August 2023, another supplier quality problem emerged, this time involving improperly drilled holes on the aft pressure bulkhead.
By September 2023, 737 MAX deliveries reached their lowest levels since August 2021, marking yet another challenging chapter. A glimmer of positivity emerged in December 2023 as Boeing made its first direct delivery of a 787 Dreamliner to China since 2019, hinting at potential thawing in the frozen relations regarding the 737 MAX.
However, the rollercoaster continued into January 2024, as an Alaskan Air flight made an emergency landing due to a cabin panel blowout on a brand-new 737 MAX 9 plane. The U.S. FAA responded by grounding certain 737 MAX 9 aircraft for safety checks, adding another layer to Boeing’s intricate narrative of challenges and resilience.
