Aerospace stock Boeing (NYSE:BA) has been trapped in a narrow trading range for most of the past month, reflecting investors’ collective uncertainty as they await answers about the devastating Air India crash on June 12.
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On that day, Air India flight 171 – a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner en route from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick – crashed less than a minute after takeoff, claiming over 260 lives in one of the deadliest aviation disasters in recent memory.
In the aftermath, unresolved questions and mounting scrutiny have kept both the public and investors on edge. Although India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has now submitted a preliminary report to the Ministry of Civil Aviation, details remain scarce. Early findings from the black box suggest the aircraft executed a normal takeoff sequence, but troubling evidence points to a possible systems failure mere seconds after liftoff. The Dreamliner’s landing gear reportedly failed to retract, and indicators suggest the emergency power generator activated, an event that typically signals a significant electrical or hydraulic failure.
These initial findings have only served to fuel further speculation and concern. The official cause of the crash is still under review, and authorities have cautioned that a comprehensive, detailed report may not be available for months. This extended period of uncertainty has done little to calm investors, especially as parliamentarians and industry observers continue to voice frustration over the pace and transparency of the investigation, as well as the government’s communication with both elected representatives and the broader public.
Further intensifying the unease are growing doubts about the qualifications of the probe committee and the effectiveness of existing aviation safety regulations. Some lawmakers have even called for an independent audit of aviation safety authorities, underscoring just how deeply the incident has shaken confidence – not only in Boeing’s aircraft, but also in the broader regulatory environment.
Air India, in its effort to address the crisis, has begun compensating victims’ families and has reduced its international widebody flights by 15% while safety inspections are ongoing. Responding to mounting public and political pressure, the airline and its parent company, Tata Sons, have pledged to strengthen operational safety and implement key reforms. Nevertheless, market participants remain wary, reluctant to regain confidence in the company until more definitive answers emerge.
Is Boeing Stock a Buy Right Now?
Despite recent turbulence, Wall Street remains broadly optimistic about Boeing’s long-term outlook. The stock currently holds a Strong Buy consensus among analysts, with 18 recommending a Buy, 2 suggesting Hold, and just 1 rating it a Sell over the past three months. Still, with Boeing trading at $218.50, the average analyst price target of $227.35 points to only a modest 4% potential upside from current levels. (See Boeing stock forecast)
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