Key Points:

  • United Airlines' Executive Vice President Finance, Gerry Laderman, points to a widespread loss of experience in the aviation industry since the COVID-19 pandemic, suggesting a potential link to recent challenges faced by Boeing.

  • Boeing withdraws a safety exemption request for its upcoming 737 MAX 7, a move reflecting the planemaker's responsiveness to concerns raised by lawmakers following a mid-air cabin incident on a 737 MAX 9.

  • United Airlines' influential executive's comments raise questions about the future of Boeing, especially regarding the timing of the MAX 10 certification and potential impacts on the broader aviation market.


Industry Experience Drain Impacts Boeing's Challenges

At the Airline Economics conference in Dublin, Gerry Laderman, Executive Vice President Finance of United Airlines, emphasized the significant loss of industry experience since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Laderman linked this widespread reduction in expertise to recent issues faced by Boeing, stating that having an experienced team is crucial for overcoming challenges. He pointed out the unexpected difficulties post-COVID, primarily affecting the supply chain and leading to retirements, contributing to a knowledge gap that has repercussions for companies like Boeing.

Boeing Withdraws Safety Exemption Amid Growing Concerns

In a move reflecting the growing scrutiny on Boeing's safety and quality control, the planemaker announced the withdrawal of a key safety exemption request for the 737 MAX 7. This decision came following a mid-air cabin blowout on a 737 MAX 9, raising numerous safety concerns and prompting investigators to examine potential issues with missing or incorrectly installed bolts on an Alaska Airlines jet. The withdrawal of the safety exemption is seen as a response to pressure from lawmakers and indicates Boeing's acknowledgment of the need for a thorough certification process.

United Airlines' Leadership Insights Spark Questions on Boeing's Future Moves

United Airlines, a significant operator of the troubled MAX 9, has ordered 277 of the larger MAX 10. The recent statements by Gerry Laderman, known for his prominence as a buyer of Boeing jets, raise questions about Boeing's future strategies. The timing of the MAX 10 certification is now under scrutiny, with concerns about potential delays arising from the recent events. Additionally, United Airlines' exploration of alternatives, including negotiations with Airbus for A321neos, adds another layer of uncertainty to Boeing's future, while Laderman acknowledges challenges faced by both Boeing and Airbus, albeit for different reasons.