In the third quarter of 2024, Boeing's loss ultimately reached $6.174 billion. This is the largest loss since the end of 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic caused a significant decline in air travel demand. According to the report, the main factors contributing to the loss included increased research and development costs in the commercial aircraft division, as well as a partial production halt due to the strike that began in September.
Boeing's labor union had been on strike since September 13, 2024, over wage increases and other issues. The company initially proposed a 35% wage increase over four years, but further negotiations continued, and the strike lasted until November 4. Ultimately, the negotiations were settled with a 38% wage increase over four years, along with a $12,000 one-time bonus. Following the end of the strike, aircraft production gradually resumed, but it will take time to restore production numbers. There are also concerns about the impact on aerospace-related companies, such as parts suppliers.

Boeing has now posted a net loss for nine consecutive quarters. The ongoing decline in sales is difficult to attribute solely to labor disputes. Recent incidents involving Boeing highlight a serious issue: "declining quality."
In January 2024, a Boeing 737 MAX 9 operated by Alaska Airlines experienced an incident in which a part of the aircraft fell off. Shortly after takeoff, during ascent, the emergency door was torn off, causing a rapid loss of cabin pressure. The 737 is Boeing’s flagship aircraft, operated worldwide. An incident like this, which could have resulted in many casualties, has shaken confidence in Boeing.
Additionally, in September, the crewed spacecraft "Starliner" had to return to Earth unmanned after encountering issues during a docking mission to the International Space Station (ISS). The Starliner, developed as a crew transport vehicle to the space station, experienced engine failures and helium leaks, making its future operations uncertain.
Following the Alaska Airlines incident, maintenance issues, such as loose bolts, were discovered in other Boeing aircraft. In January, United Airlines also reported loose bolts on a 737 aircraft. This suggests that a lapse in quality control at the manufacturing stage may be at the root of the problems Boeing is currently facing.

Boeing's management is facing increasing challenges. Due to the impact of strikes, production has stagnated not only for large aircraft but also for smaller ones. As of October 2024, the company has more than 5,400 unfulfilled orders for commercial aircraft, with orders amounting to $511 billion still pending.
In this context, in October 2024, Boeing announced plans to reduce its workforce by approximately 10%, or about 17,000 employees. Layoff notices will begin in November, with employee retirements starting in January 2025. Additionally, the delivery of the next-generation large aircraft, the 777X, will be delayed from next year to the year after.
CEO Dave Calhoun commented to the media, saying, "Facing short-term challenges, we are making strategic decisions for the future. This decision is necessary to maintain our competitiveness in the long run." Going forward, the company plans to develop a new management strategy, focus on the right business priorities, and correct its corporate culture. Based on current numbers, Boeing's recovery is expected to take a long time. Step by step, we hope they can regain their former prestige.