Boeing's Tryst With Troubles

The latest Air India catastrophe was another devastating blow to the aerospace giant's credibility. Belated reforms in the company appear grossly insufficient to salvage its safety reputation

- ARSHAD KHAN @New Delhi

Once a crown jewel of American innovation, Boeing's reputation nosedived after a series of safety failures in recent decades. Founded over a century ago as the gold standard in aviation, the company now faces unprecedented scrutiny as its aircraft, once synonymous with reliability, have suffered multiple catastrophic failures.

These tragedies have not only shattered public trust but also triggered alarm among global regulators, raising existential questions about the company's commitment to safety.

In the most recent incident, Air India's Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crashed in Ahmedabad, killing 241 passengers. While its cause is yet to be ascertained and there is no reason to believe it was due to a manufacturing or design fault, the tragedy added to global concerns after multiple safety incidents involving Boeing aircraft.

Boeing's most advanced widebody aircraft is under the lens at a time when the company is still addressing quality control issues across its product line.