Grounding of Boeing 737 Max 9 Fleet to Cost Alaska Air Group $150 Million
ICARO Media Group
This development has raised concerns about the airline's flight capacity and could potentially hinder its operations.
Speaking on Yahoo Finance Live, Mike Boyd, President of Boyd Group International, expressed his concerns about the impact of the grounding on major airlines, suggesting that they may face a "very bumpy year" as bookings decline due to safety concerns and inspections of Boeing's flagship aircraft.
Boyd highlighted that the repercussions of the grounding would extend "throughout the entire economy," affecting suppliers and certain cities that rely on air travel. He criticized Boeing for what he described as "totally incompetent" manufacturing errors, which he believed would have a far-reaching economic fallout.
Boyd also speculated on the potential consequences for Boeing's leadership, suggesting that if shareholders sought a shakeup in CEO David Calhoun's C-suite, there could be a "quiet revolt" at the company's board of directors.
Alaska Airlines, in its earnings report, revealed that it anticipates delays in deliveries and now expects its capacity growth to be at or below the lower end of its previously projected range. The airline estimated the current grounding of its Boeing 737 Max 9 fleet to cost them $150 million.
Boyd further discussed the plight of other airlines in managing the ongoing issues related to the Boeing Max 9. He pointed out that American Airlines, and to some extent Delta, are in a relatively better position, as they have limited exposure to the affected aircraft. However, Southwest Airlines, with more than half of its 545 airplanes on order being 737 Max 7s, will be significantly impacted by the delayed deliveries, forcing them to rely on older planes.
United Airlines faces a more substantial challenge, with approximately 700 Max derivatives on order, primarily the Max 10 variant. The cancellation of this model from the program will result in a turbulent year ahead, as several airlines will be left without the necessary aircraft to maintain their schedules.
The ongoing issues with the grounding of the Boeing 737 Max 9 fleet continue to cast a shadow over the airline industry. The economic implications, felt not only by the airlines themselves but also by suppliers and cities dependent on air travel, highlight the need for prompt and effective resolution. As the situation develops, the industry will closely monitor the progress and responses from Boeing's management in an effort to minimize the disruption and restore confidence.
Disclaimer: The information presented in this article is based on the quotes and statements provided in the source material.