Lars Larson: Can Boeing recover from billions in losses, strikes, and scandals?

By Lars Larson
NW and national radio host,

Can Boeing, the premier private passenger jet company on Earth, survive its current troubles? Workers are currently voting on a strike settlement deal that promises them a 40 percent raise over the next four years. At the same time, Boeing reports a loss of $6 billion in its most recent quarter. Do we really want to give up the airplane manufacturing business to the socialist company Airbus in the European Union?

Boeing has faced numerous challenges lately, including its embrace of DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion), which many believe has contributed to the company’s problems.There was also the 737 MAX incident and the accompanying lawsuits, along with reports of planes having parts falling off mid-flight in recent years.  The company endured a multi-billion-dollar failed spacecraft that stranded astronauts in orbit, requiring rescue by an Elon Musk spaceship.

Additionally, a damaging strike by machinists has been followed by this hugely generous wage increase promised by a company that has lost billions and continues to do so. The new CEO, Kelly Ortberg, claims that Boeing needs a fundamental culture change. Can it happen fast enough?