, Columnist
Boeing Without 737s Is Like Coke Without Soda
Halting production of the troubled Max would shut down close to half the aircraft-maker’s business.
They’ve been stacking up on the parking lot.
Photographer: Stephen Brashear/Getty Images
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Imagine if Toyota Motor Corp. stopped making Corollas, or Coca-Cola Co. stopped making Diet Coke, or McDonald’s Corp. stopped serving Big Macs.
That’s the best way of looking at reports that Boeing Co. is considering halting production of its troubled 737 Max single-aisle jet. Making and servicing commercial airplanes accounts for about 80% of Boeing’s operating income, and the 737 series in turn accounts for about 70% of commercial deliveries. A Boeing that’s not making 737s is shutting down close to half its business.