The Path Forward for Boeing

Boeing’s Courses of Action and Ethical Frameworks

After this crisis, Boeing’s primary objective should be to regain trust in every stakeholder; airlines, governments and passengers need to be assured that the Boeing 737 MAX aircraft they are flying are safe. Furthermore, passengers need to know that Boeing’s highest priority is safety and that pilots are fully prepared to deal with the new aircraft.

With the battering of their reputation, Boeing will not have an easy path forward. CEO of Boeing, Dennis Muilenburg, gave an address to the world detailing the preliminary reports that the MCAS system were a primary factor in both crashes. Now, it is imperative that Boeing partner with their stakeholders to develop a path forward for the re-introduction of the 737 MAX to service. Following a teleological approach, Boeing has moral obligation to do what is “right”. I believe this framework gives the best path forward with honoring the lives lost of the two disasters and works to protect the future.

Why this Approach is the Best

The Teleological approach reins supreme in defining a path forward for Boeing for a multitude of reasons. Boeing needs to implement a utilitarian approach for their 737 MAX crisis as they are responsible for the lives of anyone who steps on their aircraft. Though this approach will cost stakeholders such as airlines and airports a lot of money in dealing with the 737 MAX grounding, it is superior to having the possibility of an accident.

Other Potential Approaches for Boeing

Boeing could consider utilizing a deontological approach as it is their “duty” to quickly fix the 737 MAX and safely return it to service. Immanuel Kant’s argument to act with one’s “duty” provides for a less clear path forward as the corporation’s duty is to maximize shareholder returns, not necessarily in the best interest of the consumer. This is a possible alternative approach, but not the best one as Boeing needs to put safety, not profits first. With the rush to market of the 737 MAX and extra cost for more safety features to compensate for the MCAS system, Boeing has been shown to prioritize profits over people. For Boeing, there is a long flight ahead.

References

https://www.cnn.com/2019/04/07/politics/boeing-aviation-737-max-aftereffects/index.html

https://liveandletsfly.boardingarea.com/2019/03/11/boeing-737-max-8-safety-statement/