Peter Robison, Bloomberg News Projects and Investigations Reporter, discusses his book Flying Blind: The 737 MAX Tragedy and the Fall of Boeing. Topics include Boeing's manufacturing flaws, culture shift, decline in market share, and the importance of an engineering background for the CEO.
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Quick takeaways
Bringing in a management team that prioritizes safety and quality is crucial for addressing Boeing's current problems.
Boeing needs to shift focus from financial engineering to engineering expertise in its leadership positions to overcome manufacturing flaws and quality lapses.
Deep dives
Boeing's crisis and the need for management shakeup
The recent series of Boeing's setbacks, including the grounding of their 737 MAX airplanes, manufacturing flaws, and quality lapses, has highlighted the need for a true shakeup in the company's management ranks. The author of the book 'Flying Blind: The 737 MAX Tragedy and the Fall of Boeing', Peter Robinson, expresses disappointment and frustration that Boeing has not addressed these problems adequately. He emphasizes the importance of bringing in a management team that prioritizes safety and quality, suggesting the need for fresh perspectives and potentially considering executives from outside the company.
The cultural shift at Boeing and its consequences
The culture shift at Boeing, from a company focused on engineering to one focused on financial engineering, happened over several years. The acquisition of McDonald Douglas brought in executives who prioritized financial returns and cost-cutting. However, this shift led to a loss of control over the production system, contributing to the problems faced by the 737 MAX planes. To address these issues, experts suggest that Boeing needs to invest in modern technology, believe in commercial aircraft, and prioritize engineering expertise in its leadership positions.
Bloomberg News Projects and Investigations Reporter Peter Robison discusses his book Flying Blind: The 737 MAX Tragedy and the Fall of Boeing. Hosts: Carol Massar and Tim Stenovec. Producer: Paul Brennan.