How Safe Is The Boeing 737 Max Aircraft?

One might wonder, does the notion of air travel incite trepidation in others, or is it an unease experienced solely by myself?

By logical comparison, it is acknowledged that flying holds a safety advantage over driving. Statistically, the probability of perishing in an aviation accident stands at one in 11 million, in contrast to the one in 5,000 chance associated with vehicular accidents. Nonetheless, the concept of a 70-tonne metal structure achieving flight, with oneself aboard, provokes a degree of unease. Frankly speaking, despite having observed sizable birds, Boeing 737s they certainly are not.

Caption: Airplane taking flight, frontal view.

Nevertheless, we place our trust in these aircraft to convey us from one location to another, depending on the expertise of their pilots and engineers for our safety. But, how secure are these flights in reality?

Since the inception of commercial flight on New Year’s Day in 1914, courtesy of pilot Tony Jannus, we have witnessed the aviation industry's remarkable expansion.

On a daily basis, approximately 100,000 flights occur, transporting roughly 6 million passengers. Apart from minor inconveniences such as the noise from young passengers or occasional digestive upset from in-flight meals, the majority of these flights reach their destinations without incident.

Three people on a plane. One of them shouting.

Regrettably, this has not always been the case.

In recent times, the Boeing 737 Max 8 has frequently appeared in the news due to malfunctions and operational errors. Between late 2018 and early 2019, two fatal accidents involving this model, operated by Lion Air and Ethiopian Airlines, resulted in 346 fatalities, leading to a suspension of these aircraft for over a year pending investigation. Additionally, there has been recent coverage of the Boeing 737 Max 9 following an incident where a loose door panel was dislodged shortly after takeoff on an Alaska Airlines flight, fortunately without resulting in injuries.

This raises the question of the Boeing 737 Max's safety.

To address this, a broader perspective is required. The first 737 Max commenced operations with Lion Air’s subsidiary Malindo Air on 22 May 2017.

As of January 2024, 1,420 of these aircraft have been delivered, conducting approximately 2,400 flights daily, each transporting 162-178 passengers.

Based on these figures, it can be estimated that a minimum of 388,800 passengers globally utilise these aircraft daily, with no fatal incidents occurring in this decade.

These statistics suggest a high likelihood of a safe journey.

However, does this suffice to deem them safe?

The pragmatic approach is to rely on the expertise of those more knowledgeable to ensure our safety. The crashes in 2018 and 2019 were attributed to novel systems and insufficient training. In response, the aircraft were grounded, issues rectified, and comprehensive pilot training was implemented to enhance flight safety.

Following the door panel incident on the Boeing 737 Max 9 in January, all such aircraft are currently grounded pending an investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), with an expectation of remaining so until all concerns are addressed.

Therefore, are these aircraft safe?

While lacking in-depth knowledge of aviation mechanics and the rigorous testing procedures for public transport aircraft, one aspect is clear: airlines have a vested interest in ensuring passenger safety to maintain their operational viability. It would be reasonable to trust in their commitment to providing a secure, albeit perhaps not entirely comfortable, travel experience. Remember, bringing earplugs and antacids might still be advisable.