Part 2/11:
Boeing's decision to develop the 737 Max was rooted in a competitive landscape, primarily driven by the desire to maintain relevance in a market dominated by Airbus. Originally, Boeing planned to create a wholly new aircraft to utilize advances in technology and enhance fuel efficiency. However, when Airbus launched the A320neo—an upgraded version of the A320 family with significant efficiency improvements—Boeing rapidly pivoted. Thus, the 737 Max was born out of urgency rather than innovation, a course set by the pressure to sustain financial performance rather than a thorough focus on safety.