President Donald Trump had some kind words Thursday for the structural integrity of the Boeing Co. (NYSE:BA) 737 MAX involved in Wednesday's Flydubai incident. And by kind words, we mean he went on Truth Social early Thursday to marvel at how the aircraft withstood forces "far beyond" its design.
The President commended CEO Kelly Ortberg, along with his officers and associates, for the aircraft's resilience. He also praised the jet's "precise and powerful structural planning and design" that allowed it to survive the rapid descent.
"It is about time that The Boeing Company, which builds, by far, the finest commercial airliners in the sky, was given credit for this airplane's incredible 'genius!'" Trump wrote.
What Actually Happened in the Cockpit
The incident took place Wednesday on an Israel-bound Flydubai flight that made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia. According to reports, the pilot, Captain Smit Machchhar, an Indian national, was allegedly stabbed during an alleged cockpit altercation with the co-pilot, an Omani national. The aircraft reportedly descended 17,400 feet in under two minutes. Israel's National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir slammed the suspected terror attack.
Trump said he discussed the incident with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who told him a passenger with no flying experience took control after hearing cockpit screams and helped level the plane. The Times of Israel identified the passenger as Yaniv Hayun.
Boeing's Deal Pipeline Keeps Expanding
Last week, Trump credited Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and the Commerce Department for supporting Boeing's deals with Turkish Airlines for 150 737 MAX aircraft and with Biman Bangladesh Airlines for 11 aircraft, comprising five 787-10 Dreamliners and six 737-8 MAX jets. He said the purchases would generate tens of billions of dollars in exports and support tens of thousands of U.S. jobs.
On Tuesday, Boeing secured a U.S. Navy contract worth up to $20 billion to develop its next-generation fighter, beating Northrop Grumman Corp. (NYSE:NOC). The award covers test aircraft and weapons-integration testing and could pave the way for hundreds of billions of dollars in future contracts if development and testing succeed.
Price Action: On a year-to-date basis, Boeing stock declined 14.31%, according to market data. During Thursday's pre-market session, it is trading 0.48% higher at $186.60.
