Topic Summary

On January 5, 2024, Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 experienced a serious mid-air incident when a section of the Boeing 737 Max 9’s fuselage detached, causing a significant safety scare. The Boeing Board of Directors is now asked to convene to address the critical issues arising from this event. The board must recognize the importance of addressing the incident with transparency to maintain public trust, meaning that a comprehensive public statement should be issued at the end of the meeting, acknowledging the incident, expressing concern for affected passengers, and outlining immediate safety measures. Moreover, the board will be responsible for dealing with and investigating recent allegations from Boeing factories claiming that safety has not been prioritized. An internal review of safety practices must be launched, alongside channels for anonymous employee feedback to ensure that safety concerns are addressed. Additionally, safety standards and practices across all manufacturing sites must be re-evaluated and reinforced.

The incident and allegations have potential repercussions for Boeing’s financial health, client relations, and future orders. As a result, it is also the obligation of the board to closely monitor Boeing’s stock and develop strategies to mitigate any negative effects this incident may give rise to. On top of that, the incident led to the grounding of the entire fleet of Boeing 737 Max 9, which implied severe consequences for all client airlines which had recently purchased aircrafts of this kind. In this simulation of the Boeing Board of Directors, delegates will be encouraged to embrace the stance of their respective Board Member to deal with this crisis in an effective and comprehensive manner. Delegates are expected to lead the company through crises including stock plunges, lawsuits, and attacks from the press.

Director’s Letter

Dear All, 

It is my distinct pleasure to welcome you to the Boeing Board of Directors of HNMUN 2025. My name is Juan Esteban Gallo and I am a Junior at Harvard College studying Applied Mathematics to Economics and Comparative Literature (yes, I know it is a weird combination). I was born and raised in Bogotá, Colombia, where I learned to love MUN at the tender age of 14. Since then, I have had the pleasure of being a delegate, director, and member of the secretariat of various conferences around the world. 

Regardless of having taken part in a plethora of committees throughout my life, I am particularly excited to direct the Boeing Board of Directors following the incident of Alaska Airlines Flight 1282. As I am sure this is the case for some of you, this is my first time participating in a simulation of a company’s board; and, seeing how this is a Specialized Body, I am looking forward to the flexibility and creativity that the committee type and topic can offer. 

While MUN is commonly seen as a competition between opposing sides, in this committee you will all have to work together to lead Boeing out of the crisis it faces in a swift and successful manner. As a result, when assessing delegates I will look favorably upon those who rise into leadership within the board, come up with the best strategies to deal with the crisis breaks that will show up during the committee, and overall encourage a positive atmosphere of teamwork and creativity for everyone involved. While researching your roles and the topic at hand is fundamental to succeed in every committee and conference, and this is no exception, I greatly value creativity in delegates! Particularly when it comes to a committee like this one, being able to think outside of the box is a fundamental skill to make sure that the debate is as enjoyable and successful as possible.

Finally, I know that this is an uncommon topic, and some of the characters you are representing might have limited information about them out there. As a result, I am more than willing to help you out with any doubts or concerns you may have throughout the preparation process. Also, as I said before, I believe that you all have a great degree of freedom to embrace these roles and the issue at hand, so don’t feel too constrained by whatever is written on your placard. 

Again, if you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to contact me. I look forward to meeting you all next February, and wish you the best of luck in the preparation process. 

Best regards, 

Juan Esteban Gallo

Director, Boeing Board of Directors