Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Can Boeing win back trust after the 737 Max disasters?

US giant cannot expect the public to be placated overnight – it will take a lot of work, and perhaps some celebrity endorsements

Chris Blackhurst
Friday 19 July 2019 18:07 BST
Comments
The company has put aside $4.9bn to cover the costs of the grounding
The company has put aside $4.9bn to cover the costs of the grounding

Let’s be honest. When have you ever been bothered about the type of aircraft you’re flying on? The airline will happily tell you which model it is, and furnish you with all sorts of details about its dimensions, wingspan, and so on. And you don’t want to know.

As far as you’re concerned, an airplane is an airplane. It’s to get you from A to B as quickly, and in as much comfort, and as safely, as possible. But if you’re aware that this particular variety has a chequered history, that it’s been modified after having been taken out of service following two disastrous crashes, you might, suddenly, take a keen interest. You would, wouldn’t you?

That is the challenge Boeing and its airline and leasing customers now face as they begin the process of getting the US manufacturer’s 737 Max back in the air, and back to the point where passengers board it without a second thought.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in