Boeing 737 MAX: Will the Lineup Be Scrapped or Continued?

Boeing’s 737 MAX has faced numerous challenges in recent years, including controversies and technical issues. But will the airliner end up facing the fate of being scrapped, or will Boeing continue to pursue the 737 MAX lineup?

Not Scrapping the Airliner

Despite the controversies and technical issues, it is unlikely that Boeing will scrap the 737 MAX. The reason is simple: too much investment is already committed. Boeing has put in substantial resources and financial investments into the production and development of the 737 MAX, and scrapping it would result in significant losses. The financial sunk costs are substantial, and the company would seek to recover at least a portion of those costs.

Improving Safety with Technological Upgrades

However, Boeing may be forced to undertake significant improvements to address the safety concerns that have been raised. These improvements could include adding a third sensor and implementing TMR-logic (Ternary Redundant Majority Logic), which can help overcome one-sensor failure issues. With the right engineering team, this could be accomplished in a relatively short period, albeit it would still be costly - estimated to be around thousands per plane. This approach would be cheaper than the ongoing financial losses incurred due to the grounding and ensuing delays.

Software Fixes and Additional Delays

A software patch alone is not sufficient to fully address the concerns raised, and it may not be as convincing to airlines and safety regulators. Instead, Boeing may need to show a more comprehensive and substantial safety enhancement plan. The current pause in airline bookings provides some breathing room, allowing Boeing to work on these improvements without immediate pressure to deliver more aircraft.

The Longevity of Airplane Models

It is important to remember that most airplane models, including the 737 MAX, do not get scrapped after a few years. Airplanes are designed to last for decades. In fact, a 737 Next Generation (NG), produced in 1996, is still in service today. Boeing has been able to sell new 737 NG models to airlines, indicating that there is still demand for the 737 series.

Temporary Suspension and Back Orders

Boeing’s decision to temporarily suspend the 737 MAX production was a response to the safety concerns and subsequent grounding of the aircraft. The company has been attempting to deliver airplanes through ferried flights, but these efforts have not been successful. Due to the sheer number of back orders, Boeing now lacks the physical space to store the aircraft, making it difficult to manage the backlog effectively.

Renaming and Market Perception

Regarding whether Boeing will change the name of the 737 MAX, it is uncertain. Changing the name might satisfy a segment of the public that feels that has been concerned by the airframe modifications. However, changing the name from a marketing perspective may not be a necessary action, as the 737 MAX already includes the latest and most advanced features. Despite public opinion, most airlines have not canceled their orders and have not done so for other reasons, such as better deals from other manufacturers like Airbus.

Engineering and Evolution of Aircraft

In general, all airplane types and brands eventually get replaced due to advances in technology. The 737 MAX could potentially be considered a short-lived series due to the hype and public perception. However, because the MAX already includes the latest features, it is not drastically different from previous generations. Boeing might opt to make enough changes to justify a new name and design, making the difference seem more substantial to the public even if only minor engineering changes are involved.

Conclusion

While the 737 MAX has faced significant challenges, it is unlikely to be scrapped given the substantial investments and ongoing demand. Boeing will likely focus on making comprehensive safety enhancements and addressing the public's concerns to regain the trust of airlines and regulators.