What was biggest Boeing story of 2008?
Published 12:40 pm Friday, December 19, 2008
It’s been a busy year for the Boeing Co.
The company started off the year by announcing another delay to its 787 Dreamliner in January. Boeing also started work on its new 777 Freighter that month.
By the end of February, aerospace giant had lost its bid to build aerial refueling tankers for the U.S. Air Force. Boeing, of course, protested the Air Force’s decision in March, when it also bought up 787 partner Vought’s shares of Global Aeronautica.
In April, Boeing delayed the 787 for the second time in 2008. It rolled out the 777 Freighter in May.
Boeing got good news in June when the GAO sided with its tanker bid protest. In July, the company’s plummeting stock meant a lower incentive plan payout for employees.
This autumn, of course, was filled with labor negotiations and the 57-day Machinists’ strike. The Department of Defense called off the tanker contest for the year.
Last month, Boeing noted that its 777 Freighter and 747-8 would be delayed. The company announced defense cuts and found faulty parts on its 737, 747, 767 and 777 jets.
SPEEA gave Boeing an early Christmas gift by accepting a new contract earlier this month. And, for the third time this year, Boeing pushed back the delivery date of its 787 Dreamliner.
Readers, let me know which story you think most defined Boeing this year. I’ll put up a poll this weekend after I get some responses from readers.
Here are my top picks for the most significant Boeing story of 2008:
- 787 delays
- Tanker troubles
- Machinists strike
- Plummeting stock, lower incentive pay
