The Ups and Downs of Boeing

After two fatal crashes of B737-MAX in 2018 and 2019, the aviation regulators and airlines around the world decided to ground all the 737 MAX; 387 in total.

But as quoted by Paul Osorio, Senior Business Development Manager of Brookfield: “The Boeing 737-MAX can be grounded but that does not mean that the amount of offers for Boeing pilots has decreased! In fact, there is a big demand on going for all these pilots around the world and the amount of B737NG aircraft requested to Boeing in 2019 has increased even more!”

Boeing started in 1916 between William Boeing and George Westervelt, a marine engineer, under the name of B&W. After a short period they decided to called it Aero Product Company and after just one year they changed it again to Boeing Airplane Company. During the years they changed the name several times until they gave the company its current name.

William Boeing studied at Yale University, his first working experience was in the timber industry where he made his fortune and acquired considerable experience in the construction of wooden structures which helped him later on for the construction of airplanes.

After a short time thanks to an agreement with Pan American World Airways, the Clipper, the first transoceanic civil seaplane was designed and manufactured. Clipper was the largest civilian aircraft in those days which could transport up to 90 passengers and therefore became the first regular service between USA and UK. After that moment Clipper started to travel worldwide covering many routes around the world.

In future years Boeing became the leader in manufacturing aircraft and started to build several other types of planes including the narrow-body Boeing-737 Classic, EFIS, NG and MAX.

The B737 in various forms became the world’s most utilised jet aircraft. There were many modifications including the avionics systems, fuel capacity, engine and wing technology and cabin design as the aircraft evolved into its newest form. All these important changes created increased range, economy and passenger capacity.

Years ago, the production of the 737 took a lot of time but with the help of the technology improvements Boeing increased the aircraft’s production substantially from 31/35 per month in 2012 to 52 per month last year.

And what of the B-737 Max? Boeing cut production to what is still an impressive 42 aircraft per month, although none have been delivered during the grounding. 737 MAX aircraft continue to roll off the production line. The common question that pilots, airline managers and passengers all ask is “When will the Max fly again?”. A spokesman for the Boeing company said: “Our best current estimate is a return to service of the MAX that begins before the end of 2019. Our focus is on safety and ensuring the trust and confidence of customers, regulators and the flying public. Timing on a return to service will be driven by the FAA and global regulators."

2018 and 2019 are the dark years for the legendary 737, but the desire from all parties is to see it return to service with all the required modifications, which should ensure that the future is brighter and safer. If you are a Boeing 737 pilot, check our opportunities available now Brookfield Aviation is waiting for you!