Credited from: BUSINESSINSIDER
Boeing's CEO, Kelly Ortberg, has cancelled his participation at the upcoming Paris Air Show to devote his attention to the investigation of the Air India Dreamliner 787-8 crash, which tragically occurred shortly after takeoff. Ortberg expressed his condolences to the loved ones impacted by the incident, stating that he and Boeing’s executive team are in close contact with Air India’s leadership to provide support during this challenging time, according to Indiatimes and Business Insider.
This incident, which marks the first fatal crash of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner—the company's flagship long-distance aircraft—has raised serious questions about Boeing's safety record following a period of recovery under Ortberg's leadership. Financial markets reacted swiftly, with Boeing shares experiencing a notable decline of around 5% post-crash, as analysts are concerned about potential long-term impacts on the company's market position, as reported by Indiatimes, Business Insider, and Dawn.
Air India, now under the ownership of the Tata Group, faces significant challenges in maintaining public confidence as it attempts to revitalize its image, particularly after a series of expansions and investments aimed at modernizing its fleet. CEO Campbell Wilson emphasized that the airline's focus remains on supporting the passengers and crew affected by the tragedy, highlighting the complexities of recovery efforts in the wake of such incidents, according to Business Insider and Dawn.
As investigations are launched by authorities, including India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau, both Boeing and Air India will be under intense scrutiny. Analysts suggest that the public perception of both companies could be adversely affected unless transparency and accountability are demonstrated throughout the investigative process, signaling a critical juncture for both entities, according to Business Insider and Dawn.