Showtime @ Paris!

The 53rd edition of the Paris Air Show would have gone down in history as possibly the first one where US aerospace giant Boeing entered as a 'loser' but emerged as a 'winner'courtesy Willie Walsh and his 200-B737 MAX order. There were, however, other innovations to look forward to at the show: electric, supersonic and autonomous aircraft. A show of shows!

- Willie Walsh

A saviour for Boeing

Undoubtedly, 2019 has been one of the worst years for Boeing. While Airbus managed to sell more planes and debut more planes and products, Boeing was left answering questions about the 737 MAX at Paris. The world’s two largest plane makers battle for sales and buzz at every major air show and this year was no different till the second day of the show when Boeing landed a whopping order from Willie Walsh and the International Airlines Group (IAG).

Before that, however, Boeing commercial airplanes CEO Kevin McAllister ruefully told reporters, according to Reuters, “This is the most trying of times. But without a doubt, this is a pivotal moment for all of us. It’s a time to capture learnings. It’s a time to be introspective. And it’s a time for us to make sure accidents like this never happen again.”

Separately, Boeing chief David Muilenburg told reporters, Boeing would get MAX “back up in the air when it’s safe. That’s the most important thing.” With so many regulatory checks, there’s growing talk that eventual return of the MAX will be a phased one, market by market, carrier by carrier.

However, Boeing managed to get the much-needed vote of confidence, which explained that relationships matter, not only between individuals but also companies. Boeing revealed a deal to supply 200 of the troubled 737 Max aircraft to IAG, the sixth-largest airline group in the world. Boeing stock rose more than five percent on the news.