Boeing declines to predict 2024 results amid 737 Max 9 uncertainty

Boeing declined to provide a forecast for 2024 amid uncertainty and the fallout from the grounding of the 737 Max 9, which saw the plane’s door panels blown off earlier this month.

“While we often share updates on our financial and operational goals around this time each year, now is not the time,” said CEO David Calhoun. stated in a message to employees on tuesday.

“We remain focused on our next aircraft, while doing everything possible to support our customers, follow the guidance of our regulators, and ensure the highest standards of safety and quality in everything we do.” he added.

Calhoun reiterated the company’s commitment to working with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as the airline continues to deal with the fallout from the Jan. 5 accident in which an Alaska Airlines jet lost part of its door panel mid-flight. .

The FAA has ordered the grounding of approximately 200 Boeing Max 9 planes to complete inspections. Boeing customers United Airlines and Alaska Airlines, which have Max 9 aircraft, have each separately reported problems with door plugs.

United’s CEO said last week that he was disappointed with Boeing’s problems and would consider new options. Alaska Airlines’ CEO expressed outrage and demanded assurances from the aircraft manufacturer that its planes comply with safety regulations.

Boeing also recently withdrew its request for a safety exemption for its new 737 Max 7 aircraft. The plane sought approval from the FAA even though it did not meet safety standards.

The airline narrowed its fourth-quarter loss to $30 million, and the loss was smaller than expected as it ramped up production, but the year-to-date impact has not yet been made public.

Boeing’s loss last year was $663 million. Sales rose 10% to $22.02 billion, exceeding expectations. According to the Associated Press, the company announced it reached its goal of producing 38 737s per month at the end of the year.