Boeing Wants Airlines to Inspect 737 MAX Planes

An analysis of Boeing’s guidance for targeted inspections of 737 MAX planes and associated impacts for the aviation sector.

Source and Citation: Article from ET Bureau published on Dec 30, 2023 originally titled “Boeing Wants Airlines to Inspect 737 MAX Planes”

Table of Contents

Analysis of this news for a layman

Boeing, the aircraft manufacturing company, has recommended special inspections of its widely used Boeing 737 MAX aircraft worldwide. This recommendation follows the discovery of an issue with a missing bolt and nut during routine maintenance checks on one of the planes.

The reported problem is related to the aircraft’s rudder control mechanism. Boeing has provided guidance to airlines on how to conduct targeted inspections to identify any similar potential issues with loose bolts.

India’s aviation regulator, the DGCA, may also issue directives to local carriers like SpiceJet and Akasa Air, which operate MAX planes, to carry out these checks proactively. However, there have been no safety incidents reported in India related to this issue.

Boeing has clarified that the problem found on one plane appears to be an isolated event and has already been fixed. Nevertheless, guided inspections are being conducted to ensure the safety of the MAX fleet’s rudder control systems across customer airlines.

Impact on Retail Investors

For retail investors in the Indian aviation sector, Boeing’s 737 MAX inspections are unlikely to have a significant impact on stock prices:

Positives:

Boeing’s Proactive Approach: Boeing’s proactive approach to ensure the technical airworthiness of its planes adds to the overall credibility of MAX planes’ safety management.
Enhanced Image of DGCA: The DGCA’s timely directives regarding quality and maintenance-related global advisories enhance its reputation and build passenger trust.

Negatives:

Additional Inspection Costs: The additional inspection costs incurred may pose short-term earnings risks, especially for financially struggling airlines like SpiceJet. However, these costs are unlikely to significantly worsen the situation.
Investor Anxiety: While the issue appears rare and has already been addressed, recurring technical issues with Boeing planes may trigger minor investor anxiety. However, it is unlikely to have a major impact on stock valuations.

In summary, while a visible safety response was necessary, the situation is not serious enough to warrant alarm in the stock market unless problems reoccur or persist amid further investigations.

Impact on Industries

The broader Indian aviation supply chain is largely unaffected directly by these inspections. However, some specific industries within the aviation sector may experience an impact:

Aviation MRO Services:

Indian airline maintenance partners, such as Air Works and AIESL, may see an additional workload due to the Boeing 737 MAX inspections. However, the short-term revenue upside is limited given that the issue is specific to a single component.

Aircraft Component Exporters:

There is a possibility of additional global supply orders for aircraft components as inventory needs replenishment after replacing detected defective units. This could lead to minor increases in orders for interface component makers.

OEM Manufacturing:

While there are no direct immediate opportunities for Indian suppliers from the current event, it signals the need for Boeing to diversify its global sourcing of aviation-grade parts to mitigate geopolitical supply chain risks in the long term. This aligns with India’s “Make in India” prospects selectively.

Overall, the near-term upside for most segments is limited, except for MRO services, which may see an urgent increase in workload to ensure passenger safety.

Long Term Benefits & Negatives

Certain longer-term potential impacts for the Indian aviation industry from recurring Boeing 737 issues like the current case are as follows:

Positives:

Enhanced Safety Oversight: This situation reinforces India’s stringent air safety oversight capability, raising the overall industry standing internationally.
Greater Participation: It opens doors for greater participation by local aircraft maintenance and component manufacturing supply bases in global value chains. This demonstrates cost and skill competence to major players like Boeing.

Negatives:

Shift in Sourcing: There is a risk that the cumulative impact on Boeing’s brand from past crashes and ongoing technical issues could permanently shift component sourcing away from Boeing towards Airbus in growing markets like India. This would limit opportunities for Boeing.
Impact on MAX Assembly: The assembly of MAX planes made in India could come under greater scrutiny before further scaling up, impacting financial viability and orders compared to competing models.
Preference for Airbus: Indian carriers’ order books may increasingly favor more fuel-efficient Airbus neo models due to perceived better reliability, negatively affecting aviation emissions goals.

Therefore, a holistic analysis beyond safety-related priorities is needed by Indian aviation system leadership while responding appropriately to these recurring Boeing incidents.

Short Term Benefits & Negatives

In the near term, there are potential upsides and downsides for the Indian aviation industry resulting from the Boeing 737 MAX inspection guidance:

Positives:

Increased MRO Workload: There could be an increase in maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) workload for comprehensive plane checks and potential part replacements, providing additional business, at least temporarily.
Demonstration of DGCA’s Alertness: The situation offers an opportunity to demonstrate the DGCA’s alertness in ensuring the swift implementation of the latest advisories for passenger well-being, which builds confidence.

Negatives:

Risks of Hasty Inspections: Rushed inspections conducted to meet tight deadlines could actually raise risks if not carried out diligently by following standard protocols under qualified supervision.
Commercial Strain: Financially struggling local carriers may face added financial strain in deploying even more aircraft ground time for inspections, disrupting operations and passenger loads.
Media Attention: Intense media scrutiny, due to past issues with the MAX, could overemphasize limited lingering concerns, posing unwarranted damage to the industry’s reputation.

In conclusion, the current situation calls for targeted yet responsible inspections to ensure passenger trust, staff welfare, and the safeguarding of India’s aviation reputation. Regulators and airlines must work jointly with Boeing to expedite these inspections while maintaining diligence and adherence to best safety practices without exceptions.

Impact of Boeing 737 MAX Inspection Recommendation:

Indian Companies:

Potentially Impacted:

Akasa Air, SpiceJet, Air India Express (B737 MAX operators):
- Potential flight disruptions/cancellations for inspections, impacting revenue and customer satisfaction.
- Increased maintenance costs, affecting profitability.
- Negative publicity if any safety concerns arise, impacting brand image and future bookings.
- Market Sentiment: Short-term volatility due to operational disruptions and safety concerns. Long-term impact depends on how efficiently the airlines handle the situation.

Companies Less Likely to be Impacted:

IndiGo, GoFirst, AirAsia India (non-B737 MAX operators):
- Minimized direct impact as they don’t operate the affected aircraft model.
- Potential indirect benefit if passengers shift to their flights due to disruptions with B737 MAX operators.
- Market Sentiment: Neutral to slightly positive if they capitalize on any passenger shift.

Global Companies: