Boeing, which is a company leading in the manufacture of airplanes globally, has been faced with significant challenges due to the occurrence of accidents that have massively affected the aviation industry. The most notable accidents are the Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302, which crashed six minutes after takeoff, resulting in the death of all 157 individuals on board, and the Lion Air Flight 610 in Indonesia, which killed all 189 people after it crashed. The aircraft has faced multiple safety and quality concerns, which have resulted in the grounding of particular airplanes and consequent suspension. Numerous inquiries have been made to ascertain the cause of accidents and maintain passenger safety. Pressure has been mounted on the company as the accidents resulted in the grounding of all 737 MAX aircraft worldwide, as individuals feel that these occurrences would be avoided. This has resulted in a change in policies and regulations to prevent incidents from recurring in the future. This essay will investigate the variations in internal company documents and external sources, Boeing’s change of communication techniques, the role of whistleblowers, and the measures employees should take in similar conditions.
The internal public documents presented by Boeing focused on conveying condolences, providing technical assistance, and showing the company’s input in aiding investigations and efforts geared toward recovery. Boeing seeks to maintain a positive image in the matter. The statement indicates this, “Accredited representatives of the NTSB…joined the investigation this week” (Boeing, “Boeing Statement on Lion Air Flight 610 Updates”). In response to the Ethiopian Airlines crash, they state that to respond to erroneous sensors, they are conducting a software update and working with the National Transportation Safety Board. An audio recording was obtained that documented the crash’s impact: “The airplane is moving up and down…requesting vector for immediate landing? (Ailemen). This shows the feelings experienced during the crash instead of simply associating them with technical issues.
The external public sources indicate that more severe issues resulted in the accident. The crash of the Lion Air Flight JT 610, which involved a Boeing 737 MAX 8 that was recently acquired, indicates that there were deeper issues, criticizing the notion that it was simply an isolated accident, which paved the way for further investigations. According to the statement presented by Matous, “Another new Boeing plane has crashed under concerning circumstances,” which references the Ethiopian Airlines crash, indicates that Boeing’s airplanes have been subject to scrutiny due to the occurrence of accidents. This raises questions about its safety concerns and the quality of aircraft, as these incidents could have been avoided if precautions had been taken. Furthermore, the article indicates Boeing’s need for accountability and responsibility due to the damages and distress caused by the crash. Another source that details the search and rescue operations of the crash of the Lion Air presents information regarding the maintenance of planes and the training of pilots. The statement,” Data from FlightRadar24 indicated that the aircraft took off at about 6:20 a.m. and reached an altitude of only 5,200 feet” (Karmini and Milewski). This report shows that the crash happened a few minutes after takeoff.
Throughout the crisis, Boeing’s communication tactics shifted as it began by expressing its condolences and giving updates on the progress made in the investigations. In efforts to avert liabilities, they issued a statement: “Airplane divine, licensed and accredited airplane…should not be exposed to such irregularities” (Boeing). Nevertheless, as the public got more involved and lost confidence in them, they began to address the concerns regarding the safety of the airplane and flaws that existed in the design. They shifted their attention to addressing public doubts, which portrayed the need for accountability and honesty. However, several elements were practical as they acknowledged that there were issues in the aircraft, such as the changes in software, and they vowed to conduct thorough investigations. They also agreed to conduct pilot training to update them on the changes to prevent future accidents.
The whistleblowers played a significant role in shedding light on safety concerns, forcing Boeing to take accountability for their actions. They questioned Boeing’s commitment to quality assurance and protecting passengers and crew members. This led to doubts, especially when it was discovered that they had recently updated their software without alerting the pilots: “The Lion Air exposed worrisome details…and whether the company had provided enough training” (Gelles et al.). The whistleblowers were the external sources and investigative journalists who sought and provided more information regarding the incidents. They fostered transparency by raising awareness and championing reforms in the company. They ensured that Boeing provided information to address the crash and planned to avoid it instead of giving whitewashed statements. By raising concerns, Boeing was forced to respond and issue an investigation update. In a similar situation, I would also try to uncover the truth and hold the concerned parties accountable to prevent such occurrences.
Employees should advocate for safety instead of prioritizing profits in situations threatening public safety and report any irregularities through the correct outlets. They should also assist with investigations to enhance transparency and seek legal protection if they are whistleblowers. The general public should ask for updates and push the companies to take responsibility, which will ensure that quality standards are maintained. They can pressure companies to conduct regular inspections and give reports whenever changes and updates are made to the aircraft. Furthermore, they can champion the development of stringent policies that will prevent the occurrences of accidents in the future and protect their well-being. If the company fails to adhere to the safety policies, they can boycott their services until reforms are made, which will keep companies on their toes and prioritize the needs of the public, as they are their clients.
In summary, the two crashes involving the Boeing 737 MAX indicate the need to prioritize safety and ensure that quality standards are maintained to prevent such incidents. The role of whistleblowers, investigators, and the public is significant as they ensure that the company presents actual facts regarding accidents, holding them accountable. By analyzing the causes of aircraft crashes, Boeing can regain the public’s trust, implement reforms, and enhance the safety of passengers and crew members.
Works Cited
Aileen, Amara. “Ethiopian Plane Crash: Flight ET 302 Crashes Minutes after Takeoff from Addis Ababa.” CBS News, 10 Mar. 2019, www.cbsnews.com/news/ethiopian-plane-crash-flight-et-302-crashes-minutes-after-takeoff-boeing-737-8-max-live-updates-2019-03-10/.
“Boeing Statement on Lion Air Flight 610.” 29 Oct. 2018, boeing.mediaroom.com/news-releases-statements?item=130327.
“Boeing Statement on Lion Air Flight 610 Preliminary Investigation.” 6 Nov. 2018, boeing.mediaroom.com/news-releases-statements?item=130336.
“Boeing Statement on Lion Air Flight 610 Updates.” 28 Nov. 2018, boeing.mediaroom.com/news-releases-statements?item=130402.
Gelles, David, et al. “Boeing 737 Max 8 Grounding: What It Means.” The New York Times, 10 Mar. 2019, www.nytimes.com/2019/03/10/business/boeing-737-max.html
Karmini, Niniek, and Dake Milewski. “Lion Air Crash: Dented Black Box Found, Divers Hunt for Fuselage.” Associated Press, 29 Oct. 2018, apnews.com/article/7c145dc3564045cea21cd387afebe5be.
Matous, Renata. “Here’s What We Know About the Indonesian Plane Crash So Far.” Fast Company, 29 Oct. 2018, www.fastcompany.com/90258096/heres-what-we-know-about-the-indonesian-plane-crash-so-far.