Boeing shares plunged 8% in premarket trading Thursday after an Air India 787-8 Dreamliner carrying 242 people crashed near Ahmedabad, India. The incident marks the first fatal crash involving the widebody jet, casting a shadow over Boeing's efforts to rebuild its safety reputation. 🌍✈️
What Happened?
The flight, bound for London's Gatwick Airport, went down minutes after takeoff in a civilian area. Authorities are investigating the cause, with Boeing stating it is "gathering more information." No survivors have been reported yet. 💔
Safety Concerns Resurface
While the Dreamliner had no prior fatal crashes, its history includes battery issues that grounded the fleet in 2013. Boeing has also faced scrutiny over its 737 MAX jets, which were grounded globally after two deadly crashes in 2018 and 2019. Analysts say the crash could reignite fears about the company's safety protocols. 🔍📉
Ripple Effect
Suppliers like Spirit AeroSystems and GE Aerospace saw shares drop 4% each. GE activated its emergency response team but hasn't confirmed if its engines were used on the crashed jet. Boeing shares fell to $196.75 premarket, reflecting investor anxiety. 💼⚙️
As investigations unfold, the aviation world watches closely. Stay tuned for updates. 🕵️♂️📰
Reference(s):
cgtn.com