Engineering Management Case Studies

The Boeing 737 Max crisis represents one of the most significant challenges in modern aviation history. After two fatal crashes within five months—Lion Air Flight 610 in October 2018 and Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 in March 2019—Boeing faced intense scrutiny over its safety practices, risk management, and ethical considerations. This case study delves into the factors leading to the crisis, Boeing's responses, and the implications for risk management and ethical standards in the aerospace industry. Background Boeing, founded in 1916, has been a leader in the aviation industry for over a century. The 737 series, which first entered service in 1968, became one of the best-selling commercial jetliners in history. To compete with Airbus's A320neo, Boeing launched the 737 Max in 2011, featuring new engines and improved aerodynamics. However, the development process and the subsequent crises revealed significant issues in safety culture, risk assessment, and ethical governance. Tim...