Publications
Publications
- October 2019 (Revised June 2020)
- HBS Case Collection
Airbus vs. Boeing (M): MAX 8 Disasters (July 2019)
By: Ramon Casadesus-Masanell and Karen Elterman
Abstract
This case describes the October 2018 and March 2019 crashes of Boeing MAX 8 jets, which together killed over 300 passengers. The planes involved in both crashes shared a problem with a software system called MCAS, which Boeing had revamped at the last minute prior to selling the planes, but had failed to mention in its pilot manuals until after the first crash. As of July 2019, the MAX 8 remained grounded worldwide. As the investigation into the MAX 8 continued, a simultaneous investigation into a Boeing 787 factory found that the company had repeatedly ignored reports of manufacturing defects and debris left on 787s from the factory.
Keywords
Airbus; Boeing; Product Development; Product Design; Air Transportation; Projects; Competition; Safety; Failure; Air Transportation Industry; Manufacturing Industry; United States; Europe
Citation
Casadesus-Masanell, Ramon, and Karen Elterman. "Airbus vs. Boeing (M): MAX 8 Disasters (July 2019)." Harvard Business School Supplement 720-388, October 2019. (Revised June 2020.)