Jeju Air crash kills 179 in worst-ever South Korean accident | Fortune
Boeing’s catastrophic year reached its darkest moment on Sunday, December 29, 2024, when a Jeju Air 737-800 crashed in Muan, South Korea, killing all 179 passengers and crew members. The tragic accident marks the deadliest aviation disaster of the year, capping off a period of relentless crises for the embattled aircraft manufacturer.
While investigators are still determining the exact cause of the crash, initial reports suggest a distress call was made by the pilots, possibly due to a bird strike. The landing gear appeared not to have been extended during the plane’s final approach. The full investigation is expected to take months, and there is currently no evidence directly linking Boeing’s manufacturing to the disaster.
Boeing issued a brief statement expressing condolences to the victims’ families and offering support to Jeju Air. However, the crash adds to the company’s long list of troubles throughout 2024, including safety failures, legal battles, financial losses, and operational setbacks.
Earlier in the year, an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 Max suffered a catastrophic door plug failure shortly after takeoff, narrowly avoiding a disaster. Investigations revealed missing bolts, sparking outrage over Boeing’s manufacturing quality control. The incident triggered federal probes, hearings, and whistleblower testimonies highlighting systemic safety lapses and internal pressure to prioritize production speed over safety.
In July, Boeing pleaded guilty to federal charges of deceiving regulators during the certification of the 737 Max. A proposed oversight monitor was rejected by a federal judge, leaving the company’s legal resolution uncertain.
The aerospace giant also faced operational and financial turmoil. A crippling two-month strike by 33,000 machinists halted production, resulting in an estimated $11.5 billion loss. The company later announced plans to cut 10% of its global workforce. Meanwhile, Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft mission suffered technical failures, leaving two NASA astronauts stranded aboard the International Space Station.
Financially, Boeing reported staggering quarterly losses of $6 billion, with its credit rating teetering on junk status. The company’s stock price has plunged by over 30% this year, and its long-term profitability remains uncertain.
Despite the strong safety record of the Boeing 737-800, Sunday’s Jeju Air crash will likely intensify scrutiny on Boeing’s manufacturing and safety protocols. Families of the victims, regulators, and airline customers worldwide await answers. For Boeing, this devastating incident concludes a year marked by crises, failures, and mounting public distrust.
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