Boeing's Struggles: A Timeline of Crisis and Controversy

Boeing faces compounding issues from worker strikes to production delays. The company grapples with successive crises after fatal crashes of its 737 MAX planes, leading to staff changes, regulatory scrutiny, and severe financial losses. Recent troubles include new quality control issues and significant legal battles.

Boeing's workers on the U.S. West Coast are set to strike after a whopping 96% voted in favor, pausing production of the company's best-selling jet as it continues to deal with chronic delays and rising debt.

Since October 2018, Boeing has been entangled in a series of catastrophic events that began with the Lion Air MAX crash in Indonesia, killing 189 passengers. Following another devastating crash in March 2019 involving Ethiopian Airlines, global aviation regulators grounded the 737 MAX jets.

Despite efforts to rectify issues, including leadership changes and safety reviews, Boeing's troubles have persisted. In 2024 alone, the company faces new quality control problems, legal scrutiny, and executive turnover, prompting critical financial reassessments and a contentious labor dispute.

(With inputs from agencies.)