Boeing, the biggest aerospace enterprise in history, is facing a crisis due to two accidents involving its 737 jetliner. The media coverage has been merciless. Perhaps some historical perspective is needed on what Boeing has meant for America. For starters, Boeing has been the biggest innovator in aerospace for a century. It has survived unforgiving market forces that wiped out most of its rivals. It is the nation’s biggest exporter. It is a huge customer of small and medium-size U.S. manufacturers. And it is the sole guarantor of American leadership in global aerospace. Bottom line: if Boeing falters, America’s economy and workers will be big losers. I have written a commentary for Forbes here.
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