Boeing 737 Max crashes: What we know and what we don't

What happened?
The Boeing 737 Max is a narrow-body airliner that first entered commercial service in 2017. Since then, there have been two fatal crashes involving the aircraft:
* Lion Air Flight 610: On October 29, 2018, a Lion Air 737 Max 8 crashed into the Java Sea shortly after takeoff from Jakarta, Indonesia, killing all 189 people on board.
* Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302: On March 10, 2019, an Ethiopian Airlines 737 Max 8 crashed shortly after takeoff from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, killing all 157 people on board.
What caused the crashes?
The cause of the Lion Air crash is still under investigation, but it is believed that a faulty sensor on the aircraft led to the plane's automatic flight control system engaging and putting the plane into a nosedive. The cause of the Ethiopian Airlines crash is also still under investigation, but it is believed that a similar sensor failure may have been a factor.
What is being done to address the issue?
Boeing has made several changes to the 737 Max in response to the crashes, including:
* Updating the software: The software that controls the plane's automatic flight control system has been updated to prevent it from engaging in the same way that it did in the Lion Air and Ethiopian Airlines crashes.
* Installing new sensors: New sensors have been installed on the plane to provide more redundancy and to prevent the same sensor failure from happening again.
* Retraining pilots: Pilots are being retrained on the new software and procedures.
When will the 737 Max fly again?
The 737 Max has been grounded worldwide since March 13, 2019. Boeing has said that it expects the plane to be recertified and return to service in early 2021. However, some experts believe that the plane may not be ready to fly again until later in 2021 or even 2022.
What are the implications for the aviation industry?
The 737 Max crashes have had a significant impact on the aviation industry. Airlines have been forced to cancel flights and passengers have lost confidence in the plane. The crashes have also raised questions about the safety of Boeing's aircraft and the regulatory process that allowed the 737 Max to be certified to fly.
What are the implications for Boeing?
The 737 Max crashes have been a major setback for Boeing. The company's reputation has been damaged and it has lost billions of dollars in revenue. The crashes have also led to several investigations and lawsuits. The long-term impact on Boeing is still unknown, but it is clear that the company will face significant challenges in the years to come.