Boeing Announces 'Software Upgrade' for 737 MAX 8 Aircraft
Boeing announced a software upgrade for its Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft on Monday, mere days after the fatal crash of Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302, which was operated by a MAX 8.
Boeing's software upgrade announcement came just a few hours after the Federal Aviation Administration mandated "design changes" for the MAX 8, including updates for anti-stalling functionality and maneuverability. However, the FAA has not yet grounded the MAX 8, nor has the agency warned airlines against operating the aircraft as of the time of this post.
Based on a previous incident, some believe the MAX 8 may have a operational flaw in one of its automated functions. The aircraft was involved in a deadly crash just five months prior in October 2018, when Lion Air 610 crashed into the Java Sea 12 minutes after takeoff. The Lion Air plane was only a few months old, just like Ethiopian Airlines's aircraft from Sunday. Although the investigations for both crashes are still underway, early expert analysis has noted "striking similarities" between the two tragedies.
Boeing said the software upgrade had been in the works following the Lion Air crash, saying that the company had "been developing a flight control software enhancement for the 737 Max, designed to make an already safe aircraft even safer." Although Boeing did not reference the crash directly in the update announcement, the aircraft manufacturer expressed sympathy for the families of the 157 people who died in Sunday's plane crash.
"External reports are drawing similarities between this accident and the Lion Air Flight 610 accident on October 29, 2018," the FAA said in a statement. "However, this investigation has just begun and to date we have not been provided data to draw any conclusions or take any actions."
Meanwhile, more than 30% of the world's MAX planes have been grounded or outright banned from airspace in a few instances. As of the time of this post, the United Kingdom and Malaysia have banned the 737 MAX 8 from their airspaces altogether, while China, Singapore and Australia have forbidden airlines from flying the aircraft in or out of the country. Norwegian, GOL, SilkAir, China Southern, Cayman Airways, Air China and Lion Air have all grounded the 737 MAX 8s in their airline fleets.
On the flip side, a number of North American and European carriers maintain that their 737 MAX planes are airworthy, including American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, Air Canada, Norwegian and FlyDubai. At the same time flight crew have expressed concerns about flying on board the MAX aircraft.
Boeing's stock has plummeted in recent days, dropping Monday morning to $366 a share, down 13% from its Friday close, although the stock recovered slightly as the day progressed. Boeing stock is currently valued at $380.66 as of the time of this post.
TPG featured card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 5X | New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Valuable dining and food-related credits
- Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
- Multiple travel and purchase protections
- No foreign transaction fees
- Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
- Updated! $120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
- New! As an American Express® Gold Card Member, you can enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status. Enjoy benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
- Take advantage of a $100 credit towards eligible charges* at over 1,300 upscale hotels worldwide when you book The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App **. *Eligible charges vary by property. **The Hotel Collection requires a two-night minimum stay.
- Book your travel through the Amex Travel App with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
- Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.