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Today, we look into Airbus and Boeing for Premium subscribers.
"Airbus' gains are Boeing's loss." 1
They are fighting for supremacy in the narrowbody passenger aircraft market—expected to reach $1.75 trillion in the next 20 years.
From the grounding of the 737 Max to accusations of prioritizing profits over safety, Boeing has weathered a storm of controversy, while its rival Airbus has enjoyed significant market share gains.
Can a new CEO steer Boeing back to clear skies?
Let's visualize these aerospace titans and break down the key factors.
Today at a glance:
Boeing Grounded
Airbus Orders Skyrocket
20 Years of Competition Visualized
1. Boeing Grounded
Recent scandals and production setbacks have forced Boeing to prioritize safety and regulatory compliance over rapid growth.
Recent Challenges
💥 737 Max grounding: Boeing's best-selling 737 MAX was grounded worldwide (March 2019 - November 2020) following two fatal crashes linked to faulty software. This severely disrupted operations, led to massive losses, and tarnished Boeing's safety reputation.
⚠️ Quality control issues: Widespread quality lapses, including a recent mid-air unused emergency exit door blowout on a 737 MAX, have intensified concerns about Boeing's manufacturing standards. The FAA grounded 171 Boeing 737 Max 9s in January 2024.
🛠️ Production delays: Quality control issues and supply chain disruptions have plagued Boeing programs, notably the 787 Dreamliner, causing production delays and extended delivery halts.
📉 Credibility crisis: The recent incidents have eroded public trust, leading to intense scrutiny from regulators and the industry. According to a Morning Consult report, Boeing's reputation suffered a 12 percentage point drop in net trust among US adults in January. Experts question Boeing's leadership and its ability to navigate the ongoing crisis.
💼 CEO departure: Boeing's CEO David Calhoun announced his decision to step down by the end of 2024 amidst ongoing struggles, highlighting the need for transformative leadership to address these challenges.
FY23 performance
Key Insights:
📊 Increased deliveries (with caveats): Boeing's commercial aircraft deliveries increased in FY23 but remain below pre-737 Max grounding levels. Near-term delivery outlooks are uncertain due to the recent panel blowout and ongoing regulatory scrutiny.