Simon Wright

Nov 19, 2024 | economist.com | Simon Wright

America’s aerospace giant will hope 2025 is better than 2024By Simon Wright, Industry editor, The Economist Little has gone right for Boeing in 2024. The year started with a mid-flight blowout of a panel from the fuselage of a 737 max passenger jet. There were no serious injuries, except those added to Boeing’s reputation, just as it seemed to be recovering from two fatal crashes involving the same model of aircraft six years ago.

Sep 17, 2024 | economist.com | Simon Wright

The car industry’s effort to decarbonise revolves around replacing petrol with batteries. A growing number of customers want both. Buyers who cannot afford a fully electric car, or worry about the availability of charging points, are turning to plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), sales of which are rocketing. But the hybrid ride may prove to be short.

Jul 6, 2024 | economist.com | Simon Wright

Business | Past their primeWhy there is little sign of a defence-industry bonanza in a post-peace worldPhotograph: Getty Images Jul 7th 2024|WartonARMSMAKING IS NOT like other businesses. It is impervious to macroeconomics and sheltered from fickle consumer tastes. Its prospects are determined by one factor—how militarily threatened its government customers are feeling.

Apr 24, 2024 | economist.com | Simon Cox |Simon Wright

The American planemaker needs one hell of a pilotFew companies have had a worse start to the year than Boeing. In January a panel plugging an unused emergency exit blew out of a 737 MAX over Oregon. Thankfully the plane landed safely. A preliminary investigation into the near-disaster concluded that the bolts that should keep the panel in place were missing. The incident prompted internal investigations and brought federal regulators to Boeing’s factories to audit manufacturing processes.