TORONTO — A tragic incident involving a Boeing 787 passenger jet occurred in India shortly after takeoff on Thursday, reigniting concerns about the aircraft’s safety. The Aviation Safety Network database confirms that this marks the first fatal crash involving the model, often referred to as the Dreamliner, since its introduction in 2009.
The Air India flight, destined for Gatwick Airport, was lost minutes after departing from Ahmedabad, a city in northwestern India. Onboard were 242 individuals, including 169 Indians, 53 Britons, seven Portuguese, and one Canadian dentist from Mississauga, Ontario. The only survivor of the crash is a British national of Indian descent.
Background on the Boeing 787 and Previous Issues
The Boeing 787 has made headlines in the past due to significant concerns surrounding its lithium-ion batteries. This advanced technology allows for lighter designs and increased efficiency but led to serious problems in 2013 when the entire fleet was grounded due to overheating issues that resulted in fires. The Boeing 787 lithium-ion battery fires raised alarms, resulting in an extensive review and alterations to safety protocols.
Boeing’s Ongoing Challenges
Boeing has faced escalating scrutiny over the years, particularly concerning the 737 Max. Two tragic crashes—one in Indonesia in 2018 and another in Ethiopia in 2019—pointed to serious flaws in its design related to sensor readings that pushed the aircraft’s nose down. After these incidents, Boeing’s reputation suffered significantly, leading to a worldwide grounding of the 737 Max until safety systems could be redesigned. The FAA’s investigation into systemic failures revealed deeper issues within the organization.
Financial Implications for Boeing
Boeing’s financial health has deteriorated significantly, with a reported loss of $11.8 billion in 2024 alone, accumulating losses exceeding $35 billion since 2019. Operational disruptions, including a strike by machinists in Washington State, adversely impacted the company’s manufacturing capability, further reducing aircraft deliveries.
In 2024, Boeing delivered only 348 jetliners, a significant drop from 528 in 2023. This decline represents less than half the output of its main competitor, Airbus, which reported 766 commercial aircraft deliveries in the same year. Nonetheless, despite these setbacks, airline demand for Boeing jets remains robust. Recently, Boeing secured substantial orders, including a historic $96 billion deal from Qatar for 787 and 777X models, indicating persistent confidence in the brand.
Recent Developments and Outlook
As of early 2025, Boeing’s financial trajectory showed signs of improvement, reporting a narrower loss of $31 million for the first quarter compared to the previous year. CEO Kelly Ortberg noted that the company has made strides in stabilizing its operations, although challenges related to government oversight and labor strikes remain. With national regulators limiting production rates and ongoing reviews of safety practices, Boeing’s path to recovery is fraught with obstacles.
In light of these events, the future of the Boeing 787 and the company itself will depend on timely responses to safety concerns and the ability to regain the trust of customers and regulatory bodies alike.
